Virginia Beach is gearing up for the possible legalization of retail marijuana sales, as state legislators and the new governor consider significant changes to cannabis laws. The City Council has begun discussions on how to manage the anticipated influx of cannabis businesses, prompted by recommendations from the city’s Cannabis Advisory Task Force.
Task Force Recommendations for Cannabis Regulation
On Tuesday, the City Council reviewed insights from the Cannabis Advisory Task Force, a group established in 2022 comprising 16 members from law enforcement, education, city governance, and business sectors. The task force emphasized the need for a comprehensive application review process for cannabis business licenses, anticipating a substantial initial wave of applications.
“The first wave of applications will be substantial, and the city should plan,” stated Andrew Lock, who chaired the task force during 2024 and 2025. Previous attempts to allow localities to opt out of a retail cannabis market were vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, but recent legislative proposals have shifted the landscape.
The newly introduced bill by the Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market eliminates the opt-out clause and permits localities to adopt their own regulations regarding cannabis sales and usage. If approved by the General Assembly and signed by Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, retail marijuana could be available in Virginia as soon as November 2023.
Regulatory Considerations and Community Impact
The task force has also recommended setting parameters around retail store operations, such as their hours, location, and density in specific areas. Lock raised concerns about potential saturation in popular zones, asking, “Do we want a cannabis store every block?”
Moreover, limitations on signage for retail outlets have been suggested to maintain community aesthetics. The task force pointed out the potential for cannabis sales tax revenue to offset declining cigarette tax revenues, proposing an increase in local taxation from 2.5% to 3.5%.
In addition to regulatory frameworks, the task force highlighted the importance of community outreach through health risk education campaigns, particularly concerning drugged driving. A recent survey by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority revealed that only a third of Virginia drivers view driving under the influence of marijuana as extremely dangerous, with many considering it less hazardous than texting or driving after consuming alcohol.
As the legislative process unfolds, City Manager Patrick Duhaney noted that the City Council will receive regular updates on the developments within the General Assembly, allowing them to activate the task force’s recommendations as necessary. Councilman Michael Berlucchi, serving as a liaison to the task force, remarked on the mixed public opinions regarding cannabis and emphasized the need for effective community engagement to address potential concerns.
“These changes are going to catch a lot of people by surprise,” Berlucchi commented. “I think the community engagement that you noted is going to be critical for Virginia Beach.”
Mayor Bobby Dyer echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s a situation that we just have to come to the table and deal with. If and when the time really does come, we’ll be far better prepared.”
The City Council’s proactive approach positions Virginia Beach as a potential leader in the retail cannabis market in Virginia, setting a precedent for how localities may adapt to the evolving legal landscape surrounding cannabis.