From VA State Sen. Lashrecse Aird and Del. Paul Krizek, patrons of the adult-use cannabis law:
Statement on Misinformation Regarding Virginia Adult-Use Cannabis Law
RICHMOND, VA – Delegate Paul Krizek (D-Fairfax) and Senator Lashrecse Aird (D-Henrico) issued the following statement in response to inaccurate reports and social media claims suggesting recently enacted budget language legalized underage possession or distribution of cannabis until July 1, 2027.
Over the last several days, inaccurate claims and social media posts have falsely claimed that recently enacted budget language legalized the underage possession of cannabis by minors in Virginia. Those claims are unequivocally false.
“Let me be absolutely clear: the budget language passed by the General Assembly did not legalize cannabis possession by minors, did not legalize the distribution of cannabis to minors and did not eliminate Virginia’s criminal penalties protecting young people,” said Delegate Paul Krizek. “Virginia law continues to prohibit underage possession and unlawful distribution of cannabis. The enactment clauses included in the budget did not change those protections.”
“Unfortunately, misinformation spreads quickly, particularly when it involves complex legislation. Virginians deserve an honest conversation about cannabis policy based on the facts and what the law actually says – not on inaccurate interpretation based on political opinion. The individuals peddling these falsehoods have never supported adult-use cannabis in our Commonwealth, have never supported establishing a regulated marketplace that would address the harms of decades of cannabis prohibition and stood by while the illicit market flourished in our communities for years,” said Senator Lashrecse Aird.
“Our priority throughout this process has always been centered on protecting young people, and public health and safety,” said Senator Lashrecse Aird. “The adult-use framework passed by the General Assembly includes strict age-verification requirements, mandatory product testing, child-resistant packaging, clear labeling, licensing requirements, and robust enforcement tools to combat the illicit market,” said Delegate Paul Krizek. “Those protections were deliberately designed to reduce youth access, protect consumers and provide strong oversight of our marketplace.”
The recently enacted budget language also now can be found in the Code of Virginia, and does not alter Virginia’s longstanding prohibitions on possession of cannabis by minors or the unlawful distribution of cannabis. Any future reference to the new cannabis laws should be based on the text of the Code itself and not speculation.
P.S. Among other pathologically dishonest Republicans, former AG Jason Miyares has been one of the worst on this…
