BRISTOL, Va. (WCYB) — Recently, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed the adult-use cannabis market to the surprise of many advocates that believed it was a done deal.

Spanberger has been clear in her support of a legal retail market stating the market would increase public consumption safety and clarify enforcement.

For clarity, News 5 asked Spanberger why she chose to veto the bill after going through it with a “fine-toothed comb.”

In all, Spanberger said she had issues with several facets of the legislation and after speaking with other state leaders who have retail markets, she submitted amendments to the general assembly, which were not agreed to.

Spanberger’s issues with the bill:

• “Aggressive” scaling – General Assembly asked for 350 retail stores; Spanberger wanted to start with 200.
• Start date: General Assembly wanted stores to begin selling in January 2027; Spanberger extended that time in her amendments
• Spanberger wanted greater clarity on testing requirements, tax revenue

This leaves the Commonwealth with the same “grey area” laws that have been in place for years.

What is legal?

• Public possession of up to 1 oz
• Home cultivation of up to four cannabis plants
• Private transfer of 1 oz. or less of cannabis between people 21 years or older without exchanging anything else of value

Spanberger’s decision to veto the market came with criticism from advocates that have continued to fight for the measure for years, including Mark Stauffer who owns Smoky Mountain Meds on W. State Street in Bristol, VA.

Stauffer says he moved to Colorado when the state passed a retail cannabis market to pursuit a career in the industry. He says he came back to Bristol to develop his business legally.

News 5 asked, how the business remains legal.

“By accepting donations, instead of taking cash for the share. Anytime you’re selling stickers like they used to, that’s illegal because you’re selling something to get something,” Stauffer said.

Still, Stauffer advocates for a retail market that is regulated by the state.

“When I was 18 in the black market, I had to deal with the people that were selling heroin. Fentanyl wasn’t a thing then, but it is now. When there is no regulation, those people swarm the market, and they try to entice people on to those hard drugs,” he said.

It is unclear how or if a retail market will move forward in the Commonwealth.