Virginia Lawmakers Reject Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Proposed Changes to Medical Cannabis Bill, Approve Amendments on Record-Sealing and Cannabis Issues

In a recent vote on Wednesday, Virginia lawmakers rejected Governor Glenn Youngkin’s (R) proposed changes to a medical marijuana bill that was already passed by the legislature, sending it back to his desk. Meanwhile, the legislature voted to approve the governor’s amendments to a separate bill aimed at sealing past marijuana-related criminal records. The session also witnessed a failure to override vetoes related to the legalization of recreational marijuana sales, resentencing for people with cannabis convictions, and protection for parental rights of cannabis consumers.

Virginia Lawmakers Uphold Governor’s Vetoes on Recreational Cannabis Sales and Other Proposals While Moving Forward with Medical Marijuana Changes

Gov. Youngkin’s recommendations, which were put forth late last month, focused on altering rules for the state’s medical marijuana program. Specifically, he sought to remove provisions that would allow marijuana delivery to locations other than a patient’s private residence and to permit independent contractors to serve as delivery agents. On Wednesday, however, the House of Representatives declined to make those changes to the bill—HB 1989, which was introduced by Del. Alex Askew (D). As a result, the unamended proposal is now set to be sent back to the governor’s desk, where he must decide whether to sign or veto the bill.

The bill had received significant support in both legislative chambers, passing the Senate with a 30–10 vote and gaining final approval in the House with an 84–14 margin. Advocates, such as JM Pedini from NORML, expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the importance of ensuring continued access to medical cannabis for Virginians who rely on direct-to-patient delivery.

Virginia’s Decision on Record-Sealing Bill Marks Progress on Expungement of Cannabis-Related Crimes

In contrast to the rejection of medical marijuana delivery changes, the legislature separately adopted Governor Youngkin’s proposed amendments to a bill focused on sealing criminal records related to past marijuana crimes. The legislation, passed as HB 2723 and SB 1466, extends the state-mandated expungement process from 2021, giving local governments an additional 12 months to make required adjustments. Additionally, the proposal mandates automatic record-sealing for non-conviction records such as arrests or deferred cases and expands the scope of records eligible for expungement.

While the governor approved the general purpose of the bill, he recommended several changes, including pushing back implementation dates for certain provisions by six months. Both the House and Senate lawmakers approved these amendments, moving the bill closer to its final form.

Governor’s Veto of Cannabis Legalization Bills Sparks Division, With Some Lawmakers Seeking Future Reform

Despite the progress made on the medical marijuana and record-sealing bills, Governor Youngkin’s vetoes of key cannabis-related legislation dominated discussions in Virginia’s legislature. The governor vetoed bills aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana sales, offering resentencing relief to individuals convicted of marijuana offenses, and protecting the parental rights of those who legally use cannabis. He argued that these measures would compromise public health and safety in Virginia.

On Wednesday, efforts to override the governor’s vetoes in both the House and Senate failed, leaving the legalization of recreational cannabis on hold. However, some lawmakers remain hopeful about future reform efforts, with a new joint commission being established to study and oversee marijuana laws in the state. The commission will also evaluate potential legislative changes to Virginia’s cannabis system.

Future Prospects for Cannabis Legislation in Virginia: A Growing Call for Action

One notable development in Virginia’s legislative session was the passage of House Joint Resolution 497 (HJ 497), which re-establishes a commission tasked with studying the state’s cannabis laws. The commission, consisting of six members from the House and four from the Senate, will oversee the implementation of marijuana laws and offer recommendations for future changes. This move signals the legislature’s intent to continue working on cannabis-related issues in the coming years.

Despite setbacks in the legalization of recreational cannabis, lawmakers’ focus on reforming medical marijuana laws and criminal justice issues related to past marijuana convictions demonstrates that the debate over cannabis is far from over in Virginia. The state remains poised to take further action on cannabis reform as the legislative landscape evolves.

Senate Bill for Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for Veterans Faces Setback in House

In a separate but related issue, Virginia’s Senate recently passed SB 1101, a proposal aimed at establishing an advisory council for psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans. The bill’s aim is to explore the use of substances like psilocybin and MDMA as treatments for mental health issues, particularly among veterans. However, the bill was set aside indefinitely by a House panel, despite the strong support it garnered in the Senate.

Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D), who introduced the bill, has emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health crisis among veterans in Virginia, where the veteran population is notably high. Although the bill did not make it to the governor’s desk, it serves as an indication of the state’s increasing interest in exploring alternative therapies for mental health.

A Continued Path Toward Cannabis Reform in Virginia

As the Virginia legislature navigates complex issues related to cannabis legalization and criminal justice reform, the rejection of Governor Youngkin’s proposed amendments to medical marijuana delivery reflects the ongoing debate and differing views on cannabis policy. While certain proposals for recreational cannabis legalization and resentencing relief have been vetoed, the establishment of a new commission and the approval of bills related to medical marijuana and expungement signify that Virginia’s cannabis reform journey is far from over. As momentum continues to build, the state may see further legislative efforts aimed at shaping the future of cannabis laws in the Commonwealth.