"Currently, there are a lot of gray areas in terms of how we procure recreational marijuana within Virginia. We need a clear strategy and plan to transition Virginia into a state that has legalized retail markets that can focus on these concerns." (5/1/24)
"I think there are elements of this being a health and safety issue. But it’s the role of the legislature in parallel with the governor’s office to define this in a way that can benefit public health and safety along with the economy. I’ll specify what I mean by that — currently, there are a lot of gray areas in terms of how we procure recreational marijuana within Virginia. We need a clear strategy and plan to transition Virginia into a state that has legalized retail markets that can focus on these concerns.
This also ensures that consumers are informed about what they’re purchasing with very clear dosage strengths on the labels — like beer, some are at 4% some are at 8%, and that’s a very different purchase for the consumer. We also need these stores to operate in a normal business environment. At a federal level, I’ve supported legislation that ensures dollars generated within the marijuana industry can flow through the banking system normally. This enhances public safety by enabling retail operators to process payments like any normal business.
We also need to make sure that [tax] revenues flow into Virginia and are used to strengthen our communities and public schools. This involves building a fair retail market that would give genuine opportunities to entrepreneurs, farmers, and communities — across the board. I don’t know that I would call this an emerging market but we need a formalized, legal, emerging cannabis market." (5/1/24)
"State policies on marijuana have rapidly evolved to reflect both public opinion and scientific data, but the federal government has failed to keep pace. I support Congress removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and allowing states to enact marijuana laws without federal interference. Additionally, I believe we should end the ban on industrial hemp by removing it from the definition of marijuana. This change would allow an agricultural industry that’s already started in the Commonwealth to flourish. Finally, I support allowing the marijuana industry to operate in a normal business environment – that means removing banking barriers to allow legitimate businesses to operate in states that have legalized marijuana for medical and adult-use." (Congressional campaign policy position statement)
"Medical marijuana I support the CARES Act and HR 1227. I also support HR 1220 which would reschedule marijuana from Class I to Class III." (2/22/18)