(GoRealNewsNow.com) – Contrary to what has been a trend across the United States of America pushed by the left, Virginia’s Republican Governor just vetoed a bill that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the Old Dominion State.
Specifically, in a move that has stirred controversy, Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin, on Thursday, decided against a legislative proposal aimed at establishing a legal framework for recreational marijuana sales within the state.
Governor Youngkin, in his statement, expressed deep concerns about the potential risks associated with the legalization of retail marijuana.
He highlighted that such a move could pose significant threats to Virginians’ health and safety, citing observed outcomes in other states that have pursued a similar path.
According to Youngkin, these states have encountered negative repercussions, including detrimental effects on the well-being of young people, a surge in gang-related activities and violent crimes, a decline in mental health standards, compromised road safety, and the financial burdens of managing a retail marijuana market outweighing its tax benefits.
Rejecting the libertarian viewpoint that legalizing cannabis could diminish the illicit market and enhance drug safety, Governor Youngkin remained firm in his stance.
The legislation, which had successfully passed through the Virginia House and Senate last month, proposed initiating the process for applications related to the cultivation, testing, and sales of marijuana by fall, with the anticipation of market entry by May 1, 2025.
The proposed tax rate on marijuana products was set to a maximum of 11.625%, with the distribution of revenue allocated as 8% to the state, 2.5% to local governments, and 1.125% to support K–12 education.
Virginia, noted for being the first southern state to legalize the consumption of marijuana, allows for the home cultivation of the drug and peer-to-peer exchange. Additionally, medical marijuana is accessible through approval from a healthcare provider. This bill was seen as a step toward legalizing retail sales.
In his opposition, Governor Youngkin argued that the current discrepancies in law enforcement and regulation do not warrant an expansion in cannabis accessibility. He emphasized the need to avoid the pitfalls experienced by other states and the paramount importance of safeguarding the health and safety of the citizens of Virginia.
Meanwhile, the landscape of marijuana legalization continues to evolve across the United States.
In November, Ohio passed a measure allowing recreational marijuana following a successful petition drive. This law permits individuals over 21 to grow up to six plants at home and imposes a 10% tax on marijuana sales.
On the other hand, a proposal to legalize marijuana in New Hampshire was rejected by the Senate in November 2023. Nevertheless, Governor Chris Sununu, despite his previous opposition to recreational marijuana, expressed support for its legalization under appropriate conditions.
Governor Sununu’s stance has evolved, showing support for measures such as the decriminalization of marijuana possession, the expansion of medical marijuana access, and the facilitation of expunging past marijuana possession convictions.
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