Virginia General Assembly Upholds Governor’s Vetoes on Cannabis Legislation

LOS ANGELES-The Virginia General Assembly recently convened to address Governor Glenn Youngkin’s vetoes and amendments on various legislative measures, including those pertaining to cannabis regulation. Despite efforts by Democratic lawmakers to overturn the vetoes, the assembly upheld the governor’s decisions, maintaining the current stance on cannabis policies in the state.​

Among the vetoed bills was House Bill 2485, which aimed to establish a framework for a regulated adult-use cannabis retail market in Virginia. The proposed legislation sought to allow the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to begin issuing licenses for cannabis cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail starting September 1, 2025, with retail sales commencing no earlier than May 1, 2026. Governor Youngkin vetoed this bill, expressing concerns over potential adverse effects on public health and safety.

Additionally, the governor vetoed House Bill 2555, designed to offer sentencing relief to individuals convicted of cannabis-related felonies prior to the 2021 legalization of personal cannabis use in Virginia. The bill proposed automatic hearings for those still incarcerated or under supervision for such offenses. In his veto statement, Governor Youngkin argued that the measure could benefit individuals convicted of serious crimes and place undue burdens on the judicial system.

Efforts to override these vetoes fell short, as a two-thirds majority is required for such actions—a threshold not met given the current composition of the General Assembly. This outcome underscores the ongoing partisan divisions regarding cannabis legislation in Virginia. ​

While the vetoes were sustained, the General Assembly did approve the governor’s proposed amendments to Senate Bill 1466. This legislation facilitates the sealing of certain cannabis-related criminal records, extending the state-mandated expungement process initiated in 2021. The amendments primarily adjust implementation dates and procedural aspects of the expungement process.