A recent poll indicates that Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger’s decision to veto legislation establishing a regulated cannabis market has met with significant voter disapproval. The survey, conducted by Public Policy Polling and obtained by Marijuana Moment, found that a substantial majority of Virginia voters believed the governor should have allowed the cannabis sales legislation to become law.
Voter Sentiment on Regulated Cannabis Market
The poll, conducted on May 5 and 6 among 594 Virginia voters, revealed that 70 percent of respondents either strongly (53 percent) or somewhat (17 percent) agreed that Governor Spanberger should have permitted the legislation to take effect. This sentiment extended across political affiliations, with 70 percent of Democrats, 64 percent of Republicans, and 74 percent of independents expressing agreement. When asked directly whether the governor should sign or veto the cannabis reform, 65 percent of voters advocated for signing it into law, while only 16 percent hoped for a veto.
Further analysis from the poll suggested that signing the bill could have positively impacted the governor’s public perception. Approximately 38 percent of voters indicated they would view her either much more or somewhat more favorably had she signed the legislation. In contrast, only 11 percent would have viewed her less favorably. Forty-two percent stated her decision would not alter their view.
Public Safety and Market Regulation
A key finding from the survey highlighted public concern regarding the existing unregulated cannabis landscape in Virginia. With personal possession already legal since 2021, 78 percent of respondents strongly or somewhat agreed that adults over 21 should have legal and strictly regulated avenues for purchasing cannabis. This perspective was reinforced by 70 percent of voters who preferred a regulated cannabis market in their community over the current unregulated status quo, which was supported by 11 percent.
Advocacy groups, including Virginia NORML, emphasized the public safety implications of the veto. JM Pedini, development director for NORML and executive director for Virginia NORML, stated to Marijuana Moment that “broad bipartisan support for a regulated retail cannabis market has been remarkably consistent for years, and her vetoes place Governor Spanberger firmly on the wrong side of both public opinion and public safety.” The poll also indicated that 87 percent of voters strongly or somewhat agreed that products containing intoxicants like THC should only be sold in strictly regulated, age-restricted storefronts.
Legislative Stalemate and Future Outlook
As previously reported by Hemp Gazette, Governor Spanberger vetoed the cannabis sales legislation (SB 542 and HB 642) after the legislature declined to adopt her proposed amendments. The governor had suggested changes including delaying the start date for sales by six months, increasing taxes, and instituting new criminal penalties for cannabis consumers. She cited a “rushed timeline” for market launch and concerns about the number of retail stores as reasons for her proposed revisions.
The legislative rejection of these amendments led directly to the veto, a scenario anticipated by bill sponsors Del. Paul Krizek (D) and Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D), who had urged colleagues to vote against the governor’s changes. This outcome means lawmakers will need to reintroduce reform efforts in the 2027 session.
Key Provisions of the Vetoed Legislation
The legislation, as approved by lawmakers, included several provisions for the establishment of a regulated cannabis market:
- Purchase Limits: Adults could purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or an equivalent amount of other cannabis products per transaction, an increase from the current 1-ounce limit. The governor had proposed a limit of 2 ounces.
- Sales Commencement: Legal sales were slated to begin on January 1, 2027, under the legislative plan. The governor sought to push this date back to July 1, 2027.
- Taxation: An excise tax of 6 percent on sales, a 5.3 percent retail sales and use tax, and an allowance for municipalities to levy an additional local tax of up to 3.5 percent were proposed. The governor’s plan was similar but included an increase in the excise tax to 8 percent starting July 1, 2029.
- Revenue Allocation: Lawmakers proposed distributing revenue to the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund (30 percent), early childhood education (40 percent), the Department of Behavioral & Developmental Health Services (25 percent), and public health initiatives (5 percent). The governor, however, aimed to direct all revenue to the general fund with earmarks for various public services, notably seeking to eliminate the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund.
- Regulatory Oversight: The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would have overseen licensing and regulation, also taking on oversight of hemp products, which are currently under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The poll results underscore consistent public demand for a structured and regulated market for cannabis products in Virginia, contrasting with the governor’s recent policy decision.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hemp Gazette does not provide medical recommendations, diagnoses, or treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any decisions regarding your health or any medical condition. Statements concerning the therapeutic uses of hemp, cannabis, or cannabinoid-derived products have not been evaluated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal cannabis products in Australia are accessed via prescription pathways under TGA regulation.
