Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) on Monday vetoed legislation to establish regulations to implement an adult-use cannabis industry in the state. In his veto message, Youngkin cited “adverse effects on children’s health and safety,” the “failures” of states that have adult-use markets, and concerns about increased crime and psychiatric disorders.
“The proposed legalization, which was vetoed last year, would establish the framework for retail marijuana, which endangers Virginians’ health and safety. States following this path have seen adverse effects on children’s and adolescent’s health and safety, increased gang activity and violent crime, significant deterioration in mental health, decreased road safety, and significant costs associated with retail marijuana that far exceed tax revenue. It also does not eliminate the illegal black-market sale of cannabis, nor guarantee product safety.” — Youngkin in HB2485 veto message
In his veto message, Youngkin cites state data from the Blue Ridge Poison Control Center, which has reported an 85% increase in minors overdosing on cannabis-infused edibles since the Commonwealth legalized cannabis possession in 2021. The governor also points to the proliferation of unregulated sales in California and Colorado, which he claims “fuels gang activity, drives violent crime, and undermines public safety.”
“The financial and societal burdens
