Youngkin’s War on Weed: The Governor Who Thinks He Knows Better Than You

–Wet Blanket–

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Virginia made history in 2021 when it became the first Southern state to legalize adult-use cannabis. The people had spoken—loudly. Fast-forward to 2025, and we’re stuck with Glenn Youngkin, a man so committed to playing Daddy Knows Best that he’s single-handedly blocking the state’s shot at a functioning cannabis market.

Let’s not mince words: Youngkin isn’t just out of step; he’s actively sabotaging progress. While Virginians enjoy the right to grow a few plants and share a joint, the retail market—the part that actually generates revenue, jobs, and legitimacy—is dead in the water. Why? Because Glenn thinks he knows better than the voters who put him in office.

The Roadblock-in-Chief

In 2024, Youngkin vetoed a bill that would’ve jumpstarted Virginia’s retail cannabis market, citing the usual scare tactics: crime, youth addiction, and mental health. It’s like he cribbed his arguments from a D.A.R.E. handbook circa 1987. Never mind the mountains of data from states like Colorado and Oregon that show none of those fears hold water.

Youngkin’s so-called concerns conveniently ignore the fact that legalization could bring in millions in tax revenue—money that could fund schools, infrastructure, or even his beloved “law and order” initiatives. Instead, he’s content to let that cash flow to neighboring states like Maryland, where dispensaries are thriving, and Virginia residents are spending their hard-earned dollars.

The People vs. Glenn Youngkin

This isn’t just about weed—it’s about democracy. The people of Virginia voted for legalization. They made it clear they want a regulated market. And yet, Youngkin has decided his moral objections outweigh the will of the electorate.

His argument that cannabis legalization harms public health is laughable when you consider the real harm his inaction causes. Without legal dispensaries, the black market stays alive and well. People are still buying weed—they’re just doing it from dealers instead of tax-paying businesses. And guess what? Illegal sales come with zero regulation, zero quality control, and zero safeguards for kids.

Solutions for a Sabotaged System

1. Vote the Bastards Out
   Youngkin isn’t going to change his tune, but you can change your leaders. Virginia’s elections are always around the corner, and cannabis reform should be a top issue for voters. Find candidates who support a retail market and make sure they get elected.
2. Pressure Lawmakers
   Youngkin may hold the veto pen, but he’s not the only player in this game. Flood your representatives with calls, emails, and letters. Make it impossible for them to ignore the majority opinion.
3. Demand a Referendum
   While Virginia doesn’t allow citizen-initiated ballot measures, lawmakers can propose a referendum to let voters decide directly. If they’re not willing to stand up to Youngkin, force their hand.
4. Call Out the Bullshit
   Don’t let Youngkin’s propaganda go unchecked. Use your voice—on social media, in your community, and wherever you can—to spread the truth. The data is on your side. Legal markets work. Full stop.

Blowing Smoke or Just Out of Touch?

What’s most infuriating about Youngkin’s blockade is how out of touch it is with reality. Public support for cannabis legalization is at an all-time high (pun absolutely intended), and even red states are getting on board. Hell, Indiana—yes, Indiana—is considering recreational legalization. Meanwhile, Virginia’s stuck with a governor who thinks he’s the Sheriff of Mayberry.

This isn’t leadership; it’s obstruction. It’s a governor flexing his moral superiority while ignoring the economic, social, and political realities of the modern world. And let’s not forget the irony: Youngkin’s own voter base likely includes a fair share of casual tokers. You can’t swing a bong in this country without hitting someone who’s “cool with weed.”

Youngkin’s war on weed isn’t about public safety or health—it’s about control. He’s decided he knows better than the millions of Virginians who’ve already made their voices heard. It’s time for Virginia to fight back, not with empty words, but with action. Call your reps. Vote. Make noise. Because if Youngkin’s blockade stands, the only people winning are the ones still selling dime bags under the table.

Virginia deserves better than Glenn Youngkin’s outdated morality play. It’s time to take the state’s cannabis future out of his hands and put it back where it belongs—with the people.

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