"It's really time for elected officials to listen to the people. And unfortunately, we're seeing in some states, concerted efforts by politicians to reject or thwart the will of the people," said Matthew Schweich, MPP's deputy director.

"This adds a human dimension to those numbers that was badly needed," said Matt Simon, MPP's senior legislative analyst.

"I’m comfortable that the legislation that will be introduced by the governor will reflect most of my concerns," said DeVaughn Ward, MPP's senior legislative counsel.

"I’m encouraged to see the inclusion of an expungement provision, a micro-business and delivery license type, an equity applicant, and a sizable portion of the revenue directed towards equity and communities of color. The governor’s proposal keeps me optimistic that consensus on this complex issue can be reached this year," said DeVaughn Ward, MPP's senior legislative counsel.

"Legalizing and regulating cannabis in West Virginia would create new jobs and business opportunities, produce substantial tax revenue, and make the state a more attractive place for young people to live and work. Replacing prohibition with effective regulation would also protect consumers and allow police to focus their limited resources on serious crimes," said Matt Simon, MPP's senior legislative analyst.

"I think the overarching theme In the recommendations is the governor’s proposal needs to have strong equity provisions on the licensing side and on the back end, specifically a significant portion of the revenue going to communities hard hit by the war on drugs," said DeVaughn Ward, MPP's senior legislative counsel.

"There is certain language that landlords can use to be able to discriminate against tenants who have medical marijuana cards," said DeVaughn Ward, MPP's senior legislative counsel.

"We tend to think that if a government wants to raise money on cannabis it should be adult use (recreational) sales not medical sales that are taxed for revenue purpose. It’s already people who are facing serious illnesses and financial shortfalls," said Karen O'Keefe, MPP's director of state policies.

Watch MPP's Director of State Policies Karen O'Keefe discuss Virginia's plan to legalize adult-use marijuana on D.C.'s FOX 5 News.

"You watch when that bill comes out, people are gonna freak out because it’ll suddenly start to get real. It’s pretty exciting," said Chris Lindsey, MPP's director of government relations.