Virginia Gov. Vetoes Bill to Improve Medical Cannabis Labeling

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) last week vetoed legislation that would
have improved labeling on medical cannabis products sold in the state and
codify permissible locations for the delivery of medical cannabis products.


In his veto message, Youngkin said that while he approved of the labeling
changes, the delivery provisions raised “public safety and regulator
concerns” despite the state already allowing the delivery of medical
cannabis products.

“Permitting deliveries to businesses – including locations where substance
abuse, gambling, or other high-risk activities may occur – creates
unnecessary risks for diversion, theft, and unintended access by minors.
Current regulations already provide for safe, tightly controlled home
delivery of medical cannabis. This framework ensures access for patients
while maintaining strong safeguards to prevent misuse.” — Youngkin in the
veto message 

In a statement, JM Pedini, NORML development director and the executive
director for Virginia NORML, said Youngkin’s claims that the bill “would
have expanded marijuana access are categorically false.”

“Anyone who can read can see that this bill enumerated multiple
prohibitions on delivery locations which do not currently exist under
Virginia law,” Pedini said.

The veto is Youngkin’s third this legislative session related to cannabis
policy in the state. In March, the governor vetoed legislation to establish
regulations to implement an adult-use cannabis industry in the state and a
bill that would have protected the parental rights of adults who lawfully
possess or consume cannabis in accordance with state law.