Virginia lawmakers took another decisive step Tuesday toward launching a legal cannabis retail market in 2026, unveiling a revised legislative blueprint that scraps local opt-outs, tightens ownership rules and aims to favor small, independent operators over deep-pocketed national brands.
The Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales met for the final time before the General Assembly gavels in this January, capping months of hearings, stakeholder briefings and community meetings.
After Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed last year's bill, the commission's revised framework attempts to salvage and overhaul earlier attempts — and to address what legislators described as persistent loopholes around consolidation, equity and uneven local control.
"Over the past few months, our commission has worked diligently to review existing law and develop a bill that will not only establish a much needed adult use retail market here in Virginia, but also reflect what Virginians want it to be," said Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, the commission's chair, who opened the two-hour meeting by thanking the room packed with industry players, farmers, faith leaders and public-health advocates. "And we've listened to you."
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