Sorry Virginians, no recreational cannabis sales in Virginia until late 2023 at the earliest

Why Virginians won’t be able to legally buy cannabis anytime soon

The earliest June 2023 that Virginians can legally purchase cannabis from licensed stores.

There is about a 60% chance that it will be postponed. The only thing that is certain today is that cannabis dispensaries in Virginia will not be selling adult-use weed this year — no, thanks to the decision of the House Subcommittee.

A few days ago, the House subcommittee tasked with reviewing legislation that would allow cannabis to be sold in a few months dashed the hopes of thousands of cannabis advocates in Virginia. The subcommittee ruled against the sale of recreational marijuana in September.

The Virginia government approved the legal use of recreational cannabis last year, making the state the first Southern state to do so. Since then, plans have been developed to smoothly establish a cannabis market. Last month, Senate chambers approved a measure to authorize existing medical cannabis and hemp companies to enter the proposed recreational market.

The urge to move the date forward

According to the bill passed last summer, recreational sales should begin by 2024. The law only makes it legal for adult residents to possess an ounce of cannabis. Cannabis users in the state are also permitted to grow four cannabis plants for personal use. The overall law did not legalize the commercial sale of recreational cannabis, instead providing a set date for when the sector could begin selling.

Earlier this year, some senators and some Democratic delegates rallied to propose that the date be brought forward. Those lawmakers said the time between decriminalization and the proposed date was far too long. Before plans could go ahead by 2024, the black market for adult-use cannabis would have soared to unfathomable heights. Exposing consumers to unsafe and untested products.

Delegate Dawn M. Adams said that legislation to speed up the sales process is an excellent idea. He noted that this bill would help properly regulate the leisure market as new legislation continues to roll in. He stressed that delaying recreational cannabis sales until 2024 will only strengthen and expand the illicit cannabis market. In other words, the longer it takes for lawmakers to agree to an acceleration of the schedule, the harder it will be for the government to take down the illicit market. Not to mention that entrepreneurs will find it harder to compete in the illicit market.

The GOP ruling temporarily halted this law. In Richmond, advocates have been seen and heard clamoring for early sales. Many have tried to get the government to know why this delay in sales would shut out small cannabis businesses and minorities. Only large companies could compete with the edge that this delay gives the illicit market.

The future of adult cannabis in Virginia

The prospect of a bill showing up in favor of early sales is surrounded by uncertainty. The GOP ruling marked the first time the chambers voted on a marijuana law this year.

Delegate Jeffrey L. Campbell said just before voting began that he was finding it difficult to accept that now is the right time to start cannabis sales in Virginia. He explained that over the weekend he analyzed every aspect of the bill to see if the benefits of passing the bill were worth it. He concluded by saying that the problem must be solved on the ground gradually. He believes the subject is too complicated to go through in less than a month.

The Republican-led House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing cannabis legislation. Last year, reports showed that GOP lawmakers rejected most of the cannabis policies proposed by House Democrats. Provisions affecting social justice, community development through diverted taxes, and more were discarded.

GOP leaders and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced that the law requires some changes before the commercial market can be established.

A spokesman for House Speaker Todd Gilbert, Garren Shipley, announced last Monday that lawmakers needed more time. He compared the current problem to buying a used car. He explained that like these old vehicles, the law has deep problems that always surface once one is resolved. He added that the government would need more than one session to put everything in order.

Mixed reactions

Senator Adam P. Ebbin, the sponsor of the early sales bill, expressed frustration that the GOP is blocking the measure. He says their justification for the refusal is not enough. He also pointed out that substantial parts of the content of the bill had been worked out since last year.

Ebbin explained that lawmakers had over six months to read the bill and either offer amendments or develop a different measure. This rejection will leave the commercial leisure market unregulated and unfair in the long run. He added that illegal cannabis sales would explode like a balloon.

On the other hand, Chelsea Higgs Wise, Executive Director of Marijuana Justice, noted that the delegates’ decision was correct. She added that it would be best to reconsider commercial sales next year. The organization Marijuana Justice is one of the opposing authorities, which has argued that proposed changes to the bill would not benefit minority business owners.

Higgs Wise says the newfound time can be used to organize disadvantaged communities and equity seekers to ensure they are properly positioned by launch.

bottom line

Lawmakers from both parties have failed to secure a concession in implementing recreational cannabis legislation.

GOP lawmakers announced the issue would be revisited in early 2023. This means that the earliest retail sales can start in mid-2023. Note that when the presale begins, only existing cannabis businesses are allowed to sell to the public. While licensed adult retail stores would be added by 2024.

Until then, cannabis enthusiasts in Virginia are advised to either grow their own weed, get a few hits from friends, or apply for a medical license to purchase from one of the state’s medical cannabis dispensaries.

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