Where Candidates Stand on Cannabis in Virginia, New Jersey 2025 Gubernatorial Races

Political analysts often look to Virginia and New Jersey's gubernatorial races as early indicators for national political trends, written by Cannabis Business Times covering the 2025 elections.

These off-year elections hold significant implications for cannabis policy in both states. Virginia remains in "legalization limbo" where adults can possess cannabis but cannot legally purchase it, blocked by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin's vetoes. New Jersey has a functioning adult-use market but prohibits home cultivation, making it one of only four legalized states with this restriction.

• Virginia race: Democrat Abigail Spanberger leads Republican Winsome Earle-Sears 52% to 40% in polling, with Spanberger supporting commercial cannabis sales while Earle-Sears opposes legalization entirely
• New Jersey contest: Democrat Mikie Sherrill leads Republican Jack Ciattarelli 49% to 41%, with Sherrill backing home cultivation rights and Ciattarelli supporting limited medical-only home grows
• Policy stakes: Virginia's winner could finally enable legal cannabis sales, while New Jersey's outcome may determine whether the state allows personal cultivation
• Federal implications: Both candidates' federal voting records show clear partisan divides on cannabis banking and descheduling legislation