Gov. Youngin vetoes legislation that would have legalized recreational marijuana sales

RICHMOND, Va. (WCYB) — Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is saying no to recreational marijuana sales in the Commonwealth.

Youngkin vetoed legislation Thursday that would have legalized recreational marijuana sales, saying cannabis is bad for Virginia.

News 5 interviewed Youngkin on Zoom and asked him why he vetoed this legislation.

"Cannabis is bad for Virginia," Youngkin said. "States that have legalized retail markets, they have seen a massive increase in child poisonings, they have seen a massive increase in adolescent usage. On top of that, they have seen huge escalations in violent crime and gang activity."