Virginia Democrats are preparing to reintroduce their plan to legalize marijuana sales in the state, even as Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin signals he will veto the legislation once again. The move, spearheaded by Del. Paul Krizek (D) and Sen. Aaron Rouse (D), seeks to address the growing concerns over the unregulated cannabis market that has flourished since 2021. Despite the governor’s veto threat, the Democratic lawmakers believe it’s crucial to keep the issue alive, aiming for safer, regulated cannabis sales in Virginia.
Krizek and Rouse were behind separate legislative efforts in 2023 that were merged into a unified proposal. However, despite gaining bipartisan support in both chambers of the legislature, the bill was vetoed by Youngkin, who has consistently opposed the legalization of marijuana sales in the state.
With the 2025 legislative session fast approaching, both lawmakers are determined to revive the bill, building upon the compromise achieved last year. While it’s clear that the governor’s veto power remains a major hurdle, they argue that it’s essential for the state’s future to have a legal and regulated cannabis market in place, particularly in light of the widespread illegal sales that continue to plague Virginia.
Governor’s Veto: An Ongoing Challenge
Governor Youngkin has made his stance on marijuana sales clear—he’s firmly opposed to the idea. In an interview earlier this year, Youngkin stated, “I think you can cite the fact that time and time again he has been very clear on that.” This comment was in line with his previous remarks, where he jokingly stated that anyone who thought he would sign such a bill “must be smoking something.”
Despite this, the two Democratic lawmakers, Krizek and Rouse, remain undeterred. They argue that a regulated cannabis marketplace is essential not just for the state’s economy but also for public safety. Krizek pointed out that the current unregulated market creates dangerous conditions, where products aren’t tested for safety and consumers are left vulnerable.
“We need a marketplace with safe, tested, and taxed products,” Krizek said. “It’s an issue that can’t be ignored any longer.”
The fact that Governor Youngkin cannot seek reelection in November 2025 has fueled some optimism among Democrats. They hope that more Republicans might break ranks with the governor, especially given the growing national momentum for cannabis regulation. Krizek also hinted at the possibility of the marijuana legalization bill becoming a bargaining chip in future budget negotiations.
The Impact of Unregulated Cannabis Sales
As of now, Virginia residents can legally possess and cultivate cannabis, thanks to a 2021 law passed by a Democratic-majority legislature. However, the legalization of retail cannabis sales has been blocked by Republicans, including Youngkin, who argue that the state is not ready for such a move.
The current situation has led to a proliferation of illegal cannabis stores across Virginia, which has sparked concerns about public health and safety. These unregulated businesses are operating without oversight, meaning they don’t have to follow the same health and safety regulations that legal stores would be required to follow.
The lack of a legal marketplace has had a direct impact on communities, especially in urban areas where illegal marijuana sales are most prevalent. Law enforcement has raised concerns about the violence linked to these illegal transactions, with many young people becoming involved in the drug trade. Sen. Rouse has spoken out about the need to regulate marijuana sales in order to reduce such violence.
“Our young people are killing each other over something where we could attempt to mitigate those interactions by regulating marijuana,” Rouse said earlier this year.
For lawmakers like Rouse and Krizek, the unregulated market is not just an inconvenience—it’s a serious public safety issue that needs to be addressed. They believe that the failure to regulate cannabis sales is prolonging these problems and causing unnecessary harm to Virginians.
A “Long Game” Approach to Legalization
While it’s clear that the 2025 session will likely see another veto from Governor Youngkin, Krizek and Rouse have made it clear that this fight is not just about a single piece of legislation. Krizek described the effort as part of a “long game” that may take time to fully accomplish.
“We didn’t get the whole enchilada last time,” Krizek said, referring to the 2021 legalization of cannabis possession and cultivation. “This bill is just finishing the job.”
In the eyes of these lawmakers, marijuana legalization is not just about the immediate impact but about securing the state’s future. They see the potential for a regulated cannabis market to benefit both the economy and public health. By bringing the issue back to the table, they are trying to ensure that Virginia remains on the path toward responsible and regulated cannabis use.
Despite the governor’s opposition, the upcoming session presents an opportunity for lawmakers to craft a more comprehensive bill that addresses both public safety and economic concerns. With Youngkin’s veto power expiring after 2025, there is a growing sense that the momentum for marijuana legalization could gain traction in the years to come.
