A marijuana bill that would allow for retail sales of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia is making its way through the General Assembly. The bill would allow for licenses to be issued to business owners by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority starting in September. Supporters of the bill argue that legalizing marijuana sales would help regulate the market and cut down on underage use, while opponents believe it could lead to increased access for children and promote the drug to a younger audience.
JM Pedini, the Development Director of NORML and Executive Director of Virginia NORML, emphasized the need to legalize recreational sales in order to prevent the control of the marijuana market by illicit operators. On the other hand, Kevin Sabet, President and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on children if marijuana sales are legalized.
The bill is expected to go before the House for a third reading and vote this week. If it passes, it will be up to Governor Youngkin to either sign it into law or veto it. Governor Youngkin’s office has indicated that he plans to veto the bill if it reaches his desk. Sales would not begin until May of next year if the bill is passed into law. Both sides of the debate are focused on the potential impacts of legalized marijuana sales on children and public safety.
Source
Photo credit wset.com