ARLINGTON, Va. — The future of adult cannabis marketplace in Virginia is still uncertain after lawmakers rejected modifications by Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

The Virginia General Assembly passed the House and Senate versions of the bill, which would legalize the sale and purchase of marijuana for recreational use. It’s been in the works for years and rejected under previous Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

That’s why lawmakers and advocates say they were stunned when Spanberger returned the bill with her own amendments, including increases in taxes and penalties. They argue the recommendations go far beyond what stakeholders have worked and agreed on.

“We were rather surprised by the litany of changes that she decided to make,” Trent Woloveck of Jushi Holdings, Inc. told WUSA9. “It was rather shocking to us as an industry as a whole. We’ve continually had conversations with her since early in the year.”

Prior to being sworn in, Spanberger expressed interest but stressed the “Commonwealth needs a clear strategy to set up a market that prioritizes public safety and grows Virginia’s economy.”

One of the main amendments to stand out includes pushing the start launch date in January 2027 by six months. Spanberger wants to increase taxes from 6% to 8%, boost the civil violation to a Class 4 misdemeanor and a Class 1 misdemeanor to people under 21 years old. She has also amended the bill to reduce the number of retail stores from 350 to 200. Instead of possessing 2.5 ounces as mentioned in the bill, she chose to bring it down to two ounces.

In Virginia, it is allowed to hold small amounts of marijuana.

Spanberger has since said she’s trying to set up a marketplace that is controlled, regulated and responsible. Woloveck stressed pushing the legislation only prolongs the illegal marketplace.

“It’s continued progress here in the Commonwealth of Virginia, however, when we talk about public health and safety and the Governor talking about public health and safety, well then pushing the program at extra six months really lends itself to be talking out of both sides of her mouth,” he said.

Spanberger has 30 days to veto or sign the bill. If no action is taken, it will become law.