EXCLUSIVE: Virginia Governor Defends Cannabis Veto, Citing Timeline And Licensing Concerns

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger on May 19 vetoed legislation to launch regulated adult-use cannabis sales, arguing the bill did not give the state enough time or structure to responsibly stand up a new commercial market. In an interview with Cardinal News, Spanberger said the proposal’s six-month implementation timeline felt rushed from the perspective of the administration that would have to build the system.

“People might argue with my assertion of rushing, but again, as the governor who will both sign it and then implement it,” said Spanberger. She added it felt unrealistic to “set up in six months the entire regulatory framework for an entirely new type of commerce that historically has been illegal and continues to be in some of our neighboring states. That is not the sort of thing you put a six-month time frame on.”

Spanberger also raised concerns about the number of licenses authorized in the bill and the pace at which regulators and law enforcement would be expected to prepare. 

“Not only did it not give the state enough time to set up for success, but it also establishes so many licenses that you can’t sort of tiptoe into- OK, let’s start with X number of licenses and then you’re going to rush the regulatory framework,” she said. “Where’s the time to hire any of the law enforcement? We’re going to create an entire new law enforcement agency. When do we get them ready? When do they learn the laws that they’re enforcing when the regulators haven’t even built out their framework?”

Advocates Say Delay Pushes Consumers To Illicit Market

Kevin Caldwell, Southeast legislative manager for the Marijuana Policy Project, tells IgniteIt that the decision landed after a lengthy legislative process in which lawmakers had repeatedly worked to incorporate feedback, adding that advocates had hoped for more direct engagement from the administration.

“MPP recognizes the governor has the right to veto or amend legislation. However, her failure to engage with the general assembly during the legislative process is a serious concern,” Caldwell said in a written interview. “We know attempts were made to get executive branch input during this process.”

Caldwell noted that lawmakers may now attempt to address some of Spanberger’s concerns through the state budget, including a more limited number of storefronts and a slightly longer implementation window. But he warned that continued delays carry real consequences for consumers and public health.

“We must remember that each move to push sales down the road forces tens of thousands of cannabis consumers to utilize the illicit market, with all of its shortcomings,” he said. “As a matter of public health, this needs to be implemented in a timely manner.”

He also pointed out that Virginia has already spent years studying how to structure a regulated market. 

“As for the governor’s concerns around doing it right or taking their time, she needs to remember that the general assembly has studied and had task force or study groups researching best practices for five years,” said Caldwell. “No other state has studied how to implement cannabis sales more than Virginia has.”

Regulatory Capacity And Equity Provisions

Caldwell pushed back on the idea that Virginia needs additional regulatory or enforcement capacity before moving forward. He said the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority “has done a very good job of regulating this product” and should remain the primary regulator. He also warned that delaying implementation could worsen the impact of the impending federal ban on hemp products in November, creating new opportunities for the illicit market.

On equity, Caldwell said the bill took an unusually thoughtful approach. 

“MPP was impressed by the manner in which this legislation attempts to make sure that equity has a role in this industry,” he said, adding that the framework “may be the blueprint for other states as they move forward in ending prohibition.”