First in the South: The Politics of Cannabis in Virginia

Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm

Intercontinental Washington, D.C. - The Wharf | 801 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Virginia made history in 2021 as the first Southern state to legalize adult-use cannabis, but the journey since has included vetoes, delays and hard-fought negotiations. Now, with a new governor and retail sales within reach, the Commonwealth is poised to lead the South once again. Moderated by Radhika Gupta Murari ’95, P ’29, a member of the William & Mary Washington Center Board, together with Virginia State Delegate Paul Krizek, patron of the adult-use retail sales legislation; JM Pedini, director of Virginia NORML and a driving force behind the decade-long legalization push; and leaders who are powering the movement.

Join us to learn what it took to get here and what comes next for Virginia, the South and the nation.