Bill to Implement Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Introduced in Virginia 

A bill to establish an adult-use marketplace in Virginia was introduced
last week, which if approved would allow retail sales in the state on
November 1. The legislation comes some five years after state lawmakers
passed cannabis reforms but attempts to create a regulated marketplace were
vetoed by then-Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).

The proposal from State Delegate Paul Krizek (D) would set an excise tax of
8% on retail sales but does not impose a tax on medical
cannabis. After paying for market oversight, cannabis derived tax revenues
would be split between Pre-K funding (10%), a newly-created Cannabis Equity
Reinvestment Fund (60%), the Department of Behavioral Health and
Developmental Services for substance use disorder prevention and treatment
programs (25%), and cannabis public health education campaigns (5%).

The bill includes rules for labeling and packaging that are similar
to requirements in other legal cannabis markets. The proposal prohibits
dispensaries from selling cannabis products via vending machines,
drive-through windows, or online, and sets transaction limits at
2.5 ounces.

Home cultivation is allowed under the bill, with a limit of four plants per
household and increasing penalties for growing over the limit.

The legislation also includes proposals for compacts between the
commonwealth and tribal governments for cannabis policy.

The bill is currently in the House General Laws Committee. If an adult-use
regulation bill makes it to the desk of Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), it is
expected she will sign it.