Here’s a recap of the top stories for the week of April 17, 2026:
Gov. Abigail Spanberger amends law to jumpstart Virginia’s marijuana market
Reported by BizSense’s Jack Jacobs
Gov. Abigail Spanberger amended legislation recently passed by the General Assembly to begin legal sales of recreational marijuana in Virginia. The legislation now goes back to lawmakers to review the changes.
Some of the governor’s proposed amendments include a decrease to the number of available retail licenses, a new approach to taxing the recreational market and a six-month delay from the Jan. 1, 2027, start date agreed to by the General Assembly proposal.
The delayed start is meant “to allow for additional time to implement a legal market safely and curb the illicit market,” Spanberger said in a prepared statement.
Del. Paul Krizek (D–Fairfax) and state Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D–Henrico) criticized Spanberger’s amendments in a joint statement that said the governor’s amendments would establish a less accessible market than they envisioned.
The amended legislation now heads to the General Assembly to review and potentially approve the governor’s recommendation, along with hundreds of last-minute actions made by Spanberger.
Governor signs bill that loosens Virginia’s liquor laws
Reported by BizSene’s Mike Platania
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed HB975, which changes the state’s longstanding rule requiring restaurants and hotels that serve liquor to have at least 45% of their sales come from food.
For restaurants, bars and hotels, the new food-to-beverage ratio will be based on how much monthly food sales they bring in.
Venues that have more than $48,000 in monthly food sales will not have to meet a food-to-beverage ratio, while those with $25,000 to $48,000 in monthly food sales will have to meet a 30% food-to-beverage ratio. Those with less than $25,000 in monthly food sales will still be held to the 45% food-to-beverage ratio.
Virginia’s rule has long been criticized by many bars and restaurants as being too difficult to meet. Establishments that fail to comply with the ratio are subject to Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority fines and sanctions, including license suspension or restriction.
The governor also signed SB424, which doubles the amount of spirits Virginia distilleries are allowed to serve customers in their tasting rooms.
Both bills become law July 1.
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