The Virginia Senate on Friday approved along party lines a bill that would license and regulate retail marijuana in the commonwealth, establishing a system of stores that would go online mid-next year.
The chamber narrowly passed the measure, SB 970 from Sen. Aaron Rouse (D), on a 21–19 vote. Not one Republican voted for the measure, and not one Democrat voted against it.
If enacted, the legislation would allow adults 21 and older to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana from regulated, state-licensed retailers. Sales would begin no earlier than May 1, 2026, though regulators at the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority could begin issuing business licenses in September of this year.
Purchases of adult-use marijuana would be taxed at up to 11.625 percent. Municipal governments could ban marijuana establishments locally, but only with the support of voters. Possession and home cultivation of marijuana is already legal in the state.
A companion bill, HB 2485 from Del. Paul Krizek (D), has passed out of House committees and is awaiting votes on the chamber floor.
Use, possession and limited cultivation of cannabis by adults are already legal in Virginia, the result of a Democrat-led proposal approved by lawmakers in 2021. But Republicans,
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