Virginia’s Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin has vetoed HB 1989, a bill aimed at reforming the state’s medical cannabis program. The legislation sought to improve product labeling and define acceptable delivery locations for medical cannabis. With this veto, the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority’s new regulations will restrict medical cannabis deliveries solely to patients’ residences, a change that greatly limits accessibility for those needing these services.
Since its inception in 2020, direct-to-patient deliveries had been operating without location restrictions, allowing greater flexibility for patients. In response to the veto, JM Pedini, the Development Director for NORML and Executive Director for Virginia NORML, criticized the decision, stating that it undermines the reliable delivery services that many Virginians have depended on. Pedini noted, “Patients will only be able to receive deliveries at their homes, which poses challenges for individuals unable to stay at home during limited delivery windows.”
Pedini further emphasized that the claim this bill would have expanded access is misleading. The proposed legislation actually included multiple restrictions on delivery locations that do not currently exist under Virginia’s law.
Additionally, Governor Youngkin has vetoed other cannabis-related measures, including legislation for adult-use retail sales, protections for parents consuming cannabis legally, and a bill aimed at facilitating resentencing for individuals previously convicted of marijuana-related offenses.
Pedini remarked, “This veto exemplifies the ongoing attacks on legal cannabis and responsible consumers across the country. Youngkin’s decision to limit medical access while ignoring unregulated sales in corner stores demonstrates a lack of understanding of cannabis policy and its implications for public safety.”
For more information regarding these developments, Virginia NORML is available as a resource.
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