Marijuana legalization divides the candidates for Virginia Governor and Attorney General across party lines heading into the 2021 elections. Virginia voters broadly support marijuana legalization, but the 2021 elections are revealing significant divides on the issue of legalization. 

Governor Ralph Northam signed an adult-use legalization bill into law last April. The new legal market took effect last week. However, despite public support for the change, the two contenders for office have been critical of the reform. The two contenders are GOP gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin and Republican attorney general contender Jason Miyares.

Various Stances on Legalization 

Former Governor Terry McAuliffe, from 2014-2018, said the “vast majority of Virginians support legal cannabis, but extreme Republicans are determined to make it illegal again.”

State Attorney General Mark Herring blasted his opponent, Delegate Jason Miyares, for voting against legalization this session. Attorney General Herring said, “My Republican opponent voted against marijuana legalization, even the simplest, most common-sense criminal justice reform…Not only do I support marijuana legalization, but I support expanding opportunities for record expungement.” 

According to a poll released in February, over two-thirds of adults in the Commonwealth favor adult-use legalization, including 51 percent of Republicans. 

“Glenn Youngkin and Jason Miyares are running on a hardline Republican agenda—and their allies in Richmond are committed to rolling back the progress Virginia has made in the last 8 years,” Democratic Party of Virginia Spokesman Manuel Bonder said. “Youngkin and Miyares’ opposition to marijuana legalization is further proof that they are wrong for Virginia.”

Responding to Criticism 

In response to the criticism and accusations that Youngkin would plan to repeal legalization if elected, his campaign took to Twitter that the claims were false. 

“Glenn Youngkin will not seek to repeal it; his focus will be on building a rip-roaring economy with more jobs and better wages, restoring excellence in education, and reestablishing Virginia’s commitment to public safety,” the Twitter post says. 

It seems cannabis legalization will remain in Virginia, despite some candidates saying otherwise. If stances change or more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest. 

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp-related news.