WRIC
Some key lawmakers say they would like to see language included in the state budget to create a legal recreational marijuana market in Virginia.
“This bill, as opposed to any of the other vetoed bills, is really one that’s more urgent,” said Delegate Paul Krizek (D-Fairfax), a budget conferee. “It’s about public safety.”
It comes after Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) vetoed legislation from Krizek and Senator Lashrecse Aird (D-Henrico) in May that would have created a legal recreational marijuana market with sales to begin on Jan. 1, 2027.
In her veto statement, Spanberger said, “I share the General Assembly’s goal of establishing a safe, legal, and well-regulated cannabis retail marketplace in the Commonwealth.” However, Spanberger told 8News the legislation would have created a “rushed time frame,” among other concerns.
On Tuesday, Aird and Krizek said that although they haven’t spoken to Spanberger yet about including retail cannabis language in the budget, they believe there is an avenue for compromise.
Aird said she and Krizek are reviewing the concerns Spanberger laid out in her veto statement, and her proposed changes to the legislation that lawmakers effectively rejected in April, to find common ground.
“It would be really irresponsible if we didn’t take this one final opportunity to try and get the legislation moved forward, but as the conferee has stated, we are not trying to ram anything through, we want it to be legislation that continues to address our shared concerns,” Aird said.
As for Spanberger, when asked about Aird and Krizek’s comments, a spokesperson for the governor didn’t say whether Spanberger wants to see cannabis language in the budget, but said, “Governor Spanberger has made clear that she supports setting up a legal retail marketplace for cannabis that prioritizes the health and safety of Virginians, protects communities and consumers, and operates with clear enforcement and regulatory authority.”
Krizek told reporters Tuesday morning that budget conferees hadn’t met yet on the budget.
Late Tuesday, Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Louise Lucas posted on X, “Delegate Luke Torian, Chair, House Appropriations and his staff met with Senate Finance Appropriations staff and me for a very spirted discussion about the budget.
Both the House and Senate are set to return to Richmond later this month ahead of the July 1 budget deadline.
