Virginia Lawmakers Call for Adding Cannabis Sales Amendment to Budget Proposal

The sponsors of Virginia’s recently vetoed legislation to establish adult-use cannabis sales say they want to add the reforms to the state budget, which is still under negotiation, WRIC reports.

The lawmakers, state Sen. Lashrecse D. Aird (D) and Del. Paul Krizek (D), both budget-writing committee members, said they are reviewing Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s (D) veto statement and her substitute proposal.

“This bill, as opposed to any of the other vetoed bills, is really one that’s more urgent. It’s about public safety.” — Krizek, in a statement

The vetoed proposal would have launched legal sales starting January 1, 2027. The governor’s proposal, which lawmakers rejected, delayed the sales launch until July 1, 2027. The proposal also limited the number of retailers initially allowed to open and increased penalties for criminal behavior.

“It would be really irresponsible if we didn’t take this one final opportunity to try and get the legislation moved forward, but as the conferee has stated, we are not trying to ram anything through, we want it to be legislation that continues to address our shared concerns,” Aird said in the report.

Lawmakers have until July 1 to pass the budget.