The celebration that came when Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed an adult-use marijuana bill into law may soon be a distant memory based on the election results for 2021.
Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin has won the office of Governor, Winsome Sears has won Lieutenant Governor, and as of the morning of November 3, the House was split evenly with 10 seats still undecided.
Patients who have a Virginia marijuana card don’t need to worry about their legal access to medical marijuana in the state, but adult-use laws need to be reaffirmed in 2022 in order to move forward to the finish line when recreational marijuana sales will be legal.
In October, we speculated what election results might mean for marijuana legalization in Virginia. Now that we (mostly) know the results of the Virginia 2021 election, let’s take a closer look at what to look for next.
Lawmakers Under Pressure to Establish Rules for Adult-Use Sales
Last week, it was announced that the Virginia Cannabis Oversight Commission had established a subcommittee to provide recommendations for opening up adult-use sales sooner than the 2024 deadline. This may be a move to make sure rules are established and voted on prior to the new elected officials moving in.
However, they will need to come to an agreement quickly, and the race is on to stuff all the concerns about what’s next for marijuana sales in Virginia into a package that everyone can get behind.
Who will be allowed to sell adult-use marijuana? How does that further the goal of cannabis opportunity equity in the Commonwealth? Who should have the authority on licensing types and licensing caps?
All these questions and more need to be answered in order to move forward with adult-use sales.
Glenn Youngkin and Winsome Sears Not Fans of Adult-Use Marijuana
Glenn Youngkin has said that he will not make marijuana possession a crime again. But he takes a tough on crime stance that will likely roll back some of the social justice reforms from the original bill. Additionally, he will likely not be interested in making marijuana available to anyone not using it medically.
This is to say that adult-use sales could see a significant amount of opposition from the new governor, and it may not even be established by the 2024 timeline.
The new Lieutenant Governor, Winsome Sears doesn’t make things sound any more promising for adult-use sales. In October, she told WRIC “I think we ought to take a good look at it to see how we can make it better. I’m not against medicinal marijuana. I’m just really worried about recreational marijuana,” Sears said.
Sears has doubts that adult-use marijuana will bring in the funds to the state that advocates are promising, and she has expressed concern that people will “show up high to work”.
Republican Views on Gun Control May Be Encouraging for CCW Owners Who Are Considering a Marijuana Card
Virginia residents with a CCW have some reservations about getting a medical marijuana card due to Federal laws related to controlled substances and guns. Enforcement of these laws is minimal, and we’ve outlined the facts about guns and marijuana here so gun owners can decide for themselves whether to get a marijuana card or not.
However, red states generally put more emphasis on protecting Second Amendment rights, and some have worked to implement specific laws protecting medical card holders who own guns.
Both Youngkin and Sears have favorable views on gun owners’ rights, and it will be interesting to see if they take up the mantle of protecting Virginia residents who are acting fully within the limits of state laws.
Right Now, Medical Marijuana is the Only Sure Thing in Virginia
For those looking forward to legally enjoying cannabis in Virginia, the only surefire way to get dependable, high-quality marijuana products is to get a medical marijuana card. When you have a medical marijuana card, you can shop at any dispensary in Virginia and purchase a wide array of products including flower, edibles, tinctures, vapes and more.
With so much in question related to adult-use marijuana in Virginia, the simplest way to ensure your right to cannabis is to get a doctor’s recommendation. At Virginia Marijuana Card, we make getting your card simple and affordable.
Call us today, at (888) 633-5808 or schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor online today!
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!
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