The majority of states that legalize cannabis successfully roll out their markets within a matter of months. In some cases, the process can drag on—or be stifled altogether. Such is the case in Virginia, where weed reform was approved in 2021, but a regulated market has yet to be established. Now, with Abigail Spanberger’s victory in the race for Virginia governor, adult-use sales may finally be within reach.
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Spanberger, a Democrat, said on the campaign trail that she supports building a regulated cannabis industry.
“As the next Governor of Virginia, I look forward to working with our General Assembly to find a path forward to creating a legalized retail market for cannabis that both prioritizes public safety and grows Virginia’s economy,” Spanberger said.
She added that the market should benefit the entire community and be guided by common-sense regulations.
“The Commonwealth needs a clear strategy to set up a market that is safe, transparent, and good for Virginia — particularly, revenue from commercial cannabis products must be reinvested into our communities and used for purposes like strengthening our public schools.”
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Spanberger’s opponent in the gubernatorial race, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, voiced concerns over recreational marijuana. In a debate, Earle-Sears said cannabis is a public safety threat.
The cannabis community has been a political pawn in Virginia for some time. The Democratic-held legislature previously approved a framework for regulated adult-use sales, only to have the measures vetoed by outgoing Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin.
“The proposed legalization of retail marijuana in the Commonwealth endangers Virginians’ health and safety,” Youngkin argued.
The state’s industry has significant economic potential, with analysts predicting it could generate $490 million in its first year and reach $1 billion by year three. Spanberger’s election marks a new dawn for cannabis in Virginia—and 2026 could finally be the year the Commonwealth approves its recreational market.
