Virginia Senator Is ‘Very Optimistic’ About Legalizing Marijuana Sales Under New Pro-Reform Governor

OG article by Kyle Jaeger

November 11, 2025

Sen. Aaron Rouse (D) says he is “very optimistic” about passing adult-use marijuana sales legislation in 2026 now that Democrats have widened their House majority and elected pro-reform Gov. Abigail Spanberger. Outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed sales bills twice. Spanberger supports a safe, transparent market with revenue reinvested in schools and communities. A legislative commission is finalizing a regulatory framework bill for the January 2026 session, covering taxes, potency limits, and hemp-market issues.