RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a long-anticipated proposal to create a regulated retail cannabis marketplace , outlining a framework they say prioritizes small businesses, community reinvestment and public safety while attempting to curb the state’s illicit market.

The blueprint, released by the Joint Commission on the Future of Cannabis Sales, comes after years of stalled efforts under Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who vetoed past versions. With a new administration taking office in January, Democratic leaders and stakeholders expressed cautious optimism that the latest bill could clear the General Assembly.

“It is a complex undertaking and we’ve been trying to get lots of input from the general public,” said Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax County, who led the

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