Virginia Lawmakers Respond to ‘Inaccurate Reports’ on Cannabis Sales Bill

No, the unlawful distribution of cannabis in Virginia did not accidentally become legal on July 1, 2026, nor did the possession of cannabis by those younger than 21 – at least according to two state lawmakers.

Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Lashrecse Aird, D-Henrico, refuted claims on July 9 that the adult-use cannabis sales legislation they sponsored – which was incorporated into the state budget – unintentionally left a one-year gap for certain provisions to take effect.

They issued a joint statement to respond to what they called “inaccurate reports and social media claims” that the budget language accidentally legalized underage possession and distribution from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2027, calling those claims “unequivocally false.” They said that some of the sources of the “misinformation” came from individuals who never supported cannabis reform to begin with.

“Let me be absolutely clear: The budget language … did not legalize cannabis possession by minors, did not legalize the distribution of cannabis to minors and did not eliminate Virginia’s criminal penalties protecting young people,” Krizek said. “Virginia law continues to prohibit underage possession and unlawful distribution of cannabis. The enactment clauses included in the budget did not change those protections.”

The joint statement comes after Virginia State Police (VSP) Lt. Brandy Molinar sent an internal email suggesting that law enforcement’s hands are tied for the next year under the budget language, the Virginia Scope reported on July 7.

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