"Virginia Governor Youngkin Vetoes Bills to Establish Marijuana Market, Arena Deal Collapses"

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, has vetoed bills that aimed to establish a state-regulated marketplace for recreational marijuana, citing concerns about the legislation endangering Virginians' health and safety. The veto comes after the governor's opposition to the bills had been carefully avoided while talks about a $2 billion sports arena project were still underway, leading to speculation about their use as bargaining chips. The bills, passed by the Democratic-controlled General Assembly, aimed to set commercial standards and licensing requirements for cannabis retailers in the state.