Marijuana Bills Advance Due to Democrat Majority

With no debate, the committee backed SB 970, a proposal by Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, to create a regulated retail marijuana market in Virginia. The bill tasks the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority with overseeing the market, including licensing for cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations.

Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury)

Under the proposal, the authority would begin issuing licenses on Sept. 1, 2025, but retail sales would not be permitted until May 1, 2026. The timeline aims to give regulators and businesses ample time to establish a stable and transparent framework while ensuring compliance with state laws.

If enacted, the legislation would make Virginia one of the few Southern states with a legal marijuana retail market, potentially generating significant tax revenue and establishing a regulated environment for consumers.

“Senate Bill 970 is the exact same bill we passed last year,” Rouse told the panel, emphasizing the continuity of the effort.

Despite its passage through the committee, the bill faces challenges. Youngkin vetoed last year’s measure, and his opposition has cast doubt on whether he would support the legislation this time around, even if it secures approval from both chambers.