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Virginia's Cannabis Legalization Saga: What's Next?

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Virginia's Cannabis Legalization Saga: What's Next?


The TDR Three Takeaways on Virginia Legalization and maybe 2027?

  1. Virginia’s planned legalization of the cannabis market faces delays due to political drama that are more like a script for a future political drama series than logical.
  2. The veto by Governor Youngkin underscores a significant ideological barrier to the regulated sales of cannabis in Virginia.
  3. Future cannabis legislation in Virginia hinges on the 2025 gubernatorial election, which could delay legalization until 2027.

Looking back at Virginia’s attempt at legalization and sales of recreational cannabis is more like a script for a Netflix political series than about Cannabis. This drama continues involving Governor Glenn Youngkin’s veto of a bill that would have initiated regulated adult-use cannabis sales. The projected commencement of legal cannabis sales not before 2027 is a decision that has catalyzed discussions on both state and public levels.

Virginia lawmakers, predominantly Democrats, had been pushing forward a framework that aimed to legalize the retail sale of marijuana following the 2021 legalization of cannabis possession and use under Governor Ralph Northam. However, the transition of power to a Republican governor and the subsequent shift in the House has seen a blockade in the re-enactment of regulatory frameworks necessary for these sales. This year, despite having control over both legislative chambers, Democrats faced a setback as Governor Youngkin vetoed the newly passed legal sales bill. This veto highlights a fundamental ideological and political disagreement regarding the role and regulation of cannabis within the state, citing concerns over public health and safety.

Senator Adam Ebbin and Senator Aaron Rouse have been vocal about the challenges posed by the current administration’s stance against establishing an adult-use cannabis market. Their predictions now set the earliest date for the initiation of legal cannabis sales in Virginia to 2027, contingent upon the election of a more supportive governor in the 2025 gubernatorial election. This timeline assumes that the new governor, who would take office in January 2026, would be in favor of passing such legislation, thus paving the way for a 2027 market launch.

This delay and political maneuvering illustrate a broader issue within Virginia’s approach to cannabis. The state currently allows the use, possession, and limited cultivation of cannabis by adults but remains in a legislative limbo where sales are concerned. The need for a supermajority to override Governor Youngkin’s veto further complicates the legislative process, making it a significant hurdle for cannabis advocates within the state legislature.

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As Virginia prepares for future legislative sessions, lawmakers like Delegates Paul Krizek and Senators Ebbin and Rouse are focusing on crafting legislation that can either garner wider bipartisan support or await a more favorable political climate post-2025 elections. This strategy, however, necessitates a patient and strategic approach to advocacy and lawmaking, with an eye on the long-term goal of establishing a regulated, safe, and economically beneficial cannabis market in Virginia. Want to keep up to date with all of TDR’s research and news, subscribe to our daily Baked In newsletter.





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Virginia Gas Prices: Cheapest and most expensive places to fill up – May 19, 2026

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Virginia Gas Prices: Cheapest and most expensive places to fill up – May 19, 2026


VIRGINIA – Drivers nationwide are still feeling the pain at the pump as gas prices continue to fluctuate. 10 News is working for you to break down what drivers can expect across the region.

As of Tuesday, May 19, the AAA states that the average price for regular gasoline in Virginia is $4.310 per gallon. Premium is averaging $5.140 per gallon, while diesel sits at $5.546.

In our region, some of the highest gas prices are in Botetourt, Highland and Nelson counties, where drivers are paying $4.32, $4.49, and $4.403 per gallon for regular gas, respectively.

Closer to home, average gas prices have increased by 5.6 cents per gallon in Roanoke over the last week, to $4.22 per gallon, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 155 stations in Roanoke. That’s 39.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and $1.33 higher than a year ago. GasBuddy price reports show that the cheapest station in Roanoke was at $3.93 per gallon on Sunday, while the most expensive was at $4.39 per gallon.

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Across the state, the lowest price was $3.82 per gallon while the highest was $5.89 per gallon.

“The national average price of gasoline spent much of last week drifting lower after jumping early in the week as oil prices softened on hopes that diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Iran could help ease supply concerns,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

He continued, “However, that optimism faded after President Trump’s meeting with China’s Xi Jinping failed to produce a breakthrough on Iran, while renewed warnings toward Tehran have helped push oil prices higher again. With global oil inventories continuing to trend toward historically tight levels, markets remain extremely sensitive to geopolitical developments and potential supply disruptions. As a result, gasoline and diesel prices are likely to remain volatile, and with Memorial Day approaching, any sustained increase in oil prices could begin pushing retail fuel prices higher again in the weeks ahead.”

However, there are still some deals throughout Virginia to keep on your radar.

According to GasBuddy:

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  • In Roanoke, Sam’s Club on Towne Square Boulevard and BJ’s on Hershberger Road continue to have some of the lowest prices in the area. Both have regular gas for $3.97 per gallon. BJ’s has premium for $4.32 and diesel for $5.24, whereas Sam’s Club has premium for $4.34. GasBuddy is also showing that the Kroger and Exxon on Hardy Road both have regular gas for $3.99. Exxon has premium and diesel gas for $5.46, and Kroger has it for $4.59 and $5.19.

  • Going further south, you can find regular gas at Sam’s Club at 215 Piedmont Pl in Danville for $3.87 per gallon and premium and diesel for $4.69 and $4.98, respectively, according to GasBuddy.

  • In the Lynchburg area, some of the lowest gas prices can be found at Sam’s Club on Wards Road, where regular is $4.01 per gallon, premium is $4.77, and diesel is $4.89. Another place to save is at the Sheetz on Wards Road, where regular gas is $4.04 per gallon.

Count on 10 News to bring you the latest price at the pump every morning.

To find out where the lowest fuel prices are near you, visit GasBuddy’s website.

Since the U.S. and Israel launched a joint war against Iran on Feb. 28, the cost of crude oil, the main ingredient in gasoline, has spiked and swung rapidly. That’s because the conflict has caused deep supply chain disruptions and cuts from major oil producers across the Middle East.

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.



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West Virginia man charged with 2nd-degree murder of woman connected to Bristol

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West Virginia man charged with 2nd-degree murder of woman connected to Bristol


A West Virginia man is charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a body connected to a woman with ties to the Tri-Cities.

Court records reveal Angela Whitaker’s sister reported her missing after she stopped contacting family in Bristol, Virginia.

Investigators said Whitaker had recently moved to Bluefield to live with Donald Pennington, whom she had previously met while he worked at an O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Bristol. The sister told investigators Pennington offered her an assistant manager role, which prompted the move.

The complaint details Facebook messages, surveillance video, and witness statements that allegedly link Pennington to Whitaker’s death and the disposal of her body in a wooded area near Bastian, Virginia.

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Court documents said the body was recovered last week by investigators in Bland County and taken for an autopsy.

Pennington remains in jail on a $500,000 bond.



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Virginia Lottery Pick 3 Night, Pick 3 Day results for May 17, 2026

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Virginia Lottery Pick 3 Night, Pick 3 Day results for May 17, 2026


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The Virginia Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

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Here’s a look at May 17, 2026, results for each game:

Pick 3

DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.

Night: 9-5-3, FB: 6

Day: 8-7-2, FB: 1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 4

DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.

Night: 8-3-5-6, FB: 1

Day: 4-9-2-8, FB: 3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 5

DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.

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Night: 8-9-3-9-0, FB: 7

Day: 5-6-3-7-0, FB: 3

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Cash Pop

Drawing times: Coffee Break 9 a.m.; Lunch Break 12 p.m.; Rush Hour 5 p.m.; Prime Time 9 p.m.; After Hours 11:59 p.m.

Coffee Break: 04

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After Hours: 11

Prime Time: 10

Rush Hour: 09

Lunch Break: 06

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

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Cash 5

Drawing every day at 11 p.m.

02-12-15-25-39

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Millionaire for Life

Drawing everyday at 11:15 p.m.

11-23-41-45-55, Bonus: 01

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Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Center for Community Journalism (CCJ) editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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