Virginia is going to pot.
Interpret that however you will but this much is certain: Virginia is about to legalize marijuana. Rural localities typically face challenges. Hereâs a case where Virginiaâs rural localities face an opportunity: How can they get part of this estimated $1.2 billion industry?
Set aside your feelings about the product. There are jobs that will be created here, and tax revenue generated. Where will all that be?
Weâve previously pointed out that Virginia law, passed by legislators mostly representing the urban crescent, is surprisingly pro-rural.
Unlike such famously pro-pot states such as Colorado, Virginia will allow cultivation everywhere. Localities can, through a referendum, ban a marijuana retail store but they canât ban marijuana growing or processing operations. That means every locality in the state is potentially a location for those jobs.