Governor Youngkin’s Latest Marijuana Bill Veto: What This Means For You

Virginia's evolving marijuana laws have once again taken center stage after Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed yet another marijuana-related bill, one that had broad bipartisan support in the General Assembly. The latest veto underscores a critical message for Virginians; while recreational marijuana may be legal in theory, access is still firmly rooted in the state’s medical marijuana system.

What Was at Stake?

House Bill 1989, sponsored by Delegate Alex Askew, was a relatively modest but important step forward for patients and licensed dispensaries. It proposed two key changes to Virginia’s medical marijuana program:

• Improved Labeling Requirements: The bill would have required dispensaries to clearly list the total milligrams of THC and CBD in edible and topical marijuana products, along with per-serving amounts. Inhalable products would also need to show the total THC and CBD percentages, making product information more transparent and helping patients make informed decisions.

• Expanded Delivery Options: HB 1989 would have allowed licensed dispensaries to deliver medical marijuana to patients, caregivers, or legal guardians at their homes or businesses, though still not to public places. This would have been a game-changer for Virginians with mobility issues, chronic illnesses, or those living far from a dispensary.

The bill passed the House by a vote of 84–14 and the Senate 30–10. Despite this strong bipartisan support, Governor Youngkin vetoed it in April, effectively stalling the state’s momentum in modernizing its medical marijuana program.

Governor Youngkin’s Stance on Marijuana

Governor Youngkin has made his position on marijuana clear: while he’s shown tolerance for Virginia’s existing medical marijuana system, he has repeatedly signaled disinterest in expanding it or launching a recreational marijuana market.

This isn’t the first marijuana-related veto to come from his office. In 2024, Youngkin blocked a bill that would have established a retail marketplace for recreational marijuana, even though personal possession and home cultivation are legal for adults 21 and older in Virginia.

With his latest veto, Youngkin continues to maintain a cautious stance toward marijuana reform, prioritizing regulation over access.

What This Means for Virginians Today

If you’re living in Virginia and hoping to access marijuana legally, here’s the bottom line; you still need a valid medical marijuana card. Despite the legalization of recreational possession, there is no legal way to purchase recreational marijuana in the state.

That leaves patients and consumers with one reliable route, obtaining a medical marijuana card. Without a medical card:

• You cannot legally purchase marijuana from a dispensary.

• You risk legal consequences if you attempt to buy marijuana from unlicensed sources.

• You won’t be eligible for product guidance from medical professionals or pharmacists at licensed dispensaries.

Why You Should Still Get a Virginia Medical Marijuana Card

Virginia’s medical marijuana program remains the only legal access point for marijuana products in the state. Here’s why getting a medical marijuana card is not only smart, but essential:

1. Safe, Regulated Access

Licensed dispensaries in Virginia are required to meet strict safety and quality standards. All products are tested, accurately labeled, and dispensed by knowledgeable professionals. You can trust what you’re getting, unlike marijuana from illicit sources.

2. Legal Protection

Having a valid medical marijuana card protects you from legal issues when purchasing, possessing, or transporting marijuana in Virginia. This is especially important since the recreational marketplace is still nonexistent.

3. Product Variety and Professional Guidance

Virginia dispensaries offer a wide range of products: flower, pre-rolls, tinctures, edibles, vape pens/cartridges, and extracts. Medical patients also receive tailored support from licensed pharmacists who can help them select the right products based on their health needs.

4. Home Delivery

While Governor Youngkin vetoed the delivery expansion in HB 1989, the overwhelming legislative support shows that delivery may still become a reality in the near future. If the General Assembly overrides the veto, or a similar bill passes next session, patients with a medical marijuana card will be the first to benefit from delivery services.

The Recreational Market

Virginia made headlines in 2021 by becoming the first Southern state to legalize recreational marijuana. Adults 21+ can legally:

• Possess up to one ounce of marijuana

• Grow up to four plants per household for personal use

But here's the catch: there’s no retail infrastructure in place to support recreational sales. That means no recreational dispensaries, no legal purchases, and no tax revenue from sales.

A bill to establish the framework for recreational dispensaries passed the Democratic-controlled Senate in 2024 but was shot down by the Republican-led House and ultimately blocked by Governor Youngkin. So while recreational marijuana is legal on paper, it's largely symbolic, unless you're growing your own.

Will Lawmakers Override the Veto?

There’s a real chance lawmakers could override Governor Youngkin’s veto of HB 1989. The bill passed both chambers with more than two-thirds support, which is the threshold needed for an override. However, it remains unclear whether legislative leaders will prioritize the override or move on to other policy matters in the next session.

If the override succeeds, patients can look forward to expanded access and improved product transparency. If it fails, the status quo remains.

What Should You Do Now?

For Virginians interested in marijuana, the path forward is crystal clear, get your medical marijuana card! Governor Youngkin’s latest veto is a signal that recreational marijuana access isn’t arriving any time soon. The only reliable, legal, and safe way to access marijuana in Virginia today is through the state’s medical marijuana program.

With a card, you’ll gain legal protection and better product access. Without it, you’re stuck in a legal gray zone with limited options. Until Virginia lawmakers push past the political gridlock, patients and consumers alike need to plan accordingly. 

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today

Lucky for you, medical marijuana is already available in Virginia! You can get your medical marijuana card and access dispensaries today if you have a qualifying condition.

Recreational marijuana is legal in Virginia, but it does not mean much since there are no recreational dispensaries to purchase products from.

There are also countless benefits to having your medical card in a recreational state! You will save money on taxes and marijuana products, and you will enjoy higher possession and purchase limits if you have your medical card in Virginia!

In order to qualify for your medical marijuana card, you will need to have a condition that makes you eligible. If you aren’t sure if you would qualify, give us a call and we can answer any questions you may have about the process.

If you don’t already have your card, no worries. We can help! If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you would qualify for your medical card in the State of Virginia. With telemedicine, it is now easier than ever to get your medical card from the comfort of your own home!

In Virginia, any inhibiting condition could qualify you for your medical card. If you don’t already have it, we can help! Schedule an evaluation online today and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors.

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Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness

safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on

education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by

providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!