A 54-page bill setting rules and taxes for legal sale of marijuana to adults passed the House of Delegates Monday, while a similar measure is slated to face a final up or down state Senate vote on Tuesday.
But they face a skeptical Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has said he has no interest in approving a mechanism for retail sales of marijuana.
The 52-48 vote on House Bill 698, essentially along party lines, suggests proponents could not override a veto, which requires the votes of two-thirds of the members present.
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A law setting rules and taxes for marijuana sales is a priority of the Democratic majorities in the General Assembly. Youngkin’s unwillingness to discuss the issue is one reason Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, cited for the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee’s refusal to take up Youngkin’s push for an arena and performing arts center development in Alexandria.
Del. Jay Leftwich, R-Chesapeake, said that after setting up its legal marijuana market Colorado has seen an increase in poison center calls and drug abuse.