Some law enforcement officials are expressing concern about the possibility of a legal marijuana market in Virginia.

On Monday, following the House passage of legislation establishing a retail market for marijuana, four of the leading law enforcement associations across Virginia outlined the dangers of legalizing retail sales of marijuana in Virginia. The letter, sent to all 140 members of the General Assembly, focuses on the setback retail sales would have on the progress Virginia has made in regards to improving behavioral health and lowering crime in local communities. The letter stresses that cannabis is fundamentally different from alcohol and tobacco, and deserves to be treated as such.