The tale of Emperor Nero fiddling while Rome burned has become a metaphor for leaders ignoring pressing crises. In Virginia, this imagery feels all too real as Gov. Glenn Youngkin appears content to let the state’s illegal marijuana market thrive while turning down opportunities to regulate it, while denying Virginia millions in tax revenue. This policy fails to ensure health and safety protections for its citizens, while hundreds of thousands of Virginians still puff away.

Despite bipartisan efforts to establish a legal marijuana market, the governor has effectively vetoed progress. In his most recent statement, he cited concerns about the adverse effects of legalization, including harm to children’s health, increased gang activity, mental health deterioration and road safety risks. But here’s the reality: These issues are already happening under the current unregulated system.

Virginia has a thriving, billion-dollar unregulated marijuana market. In many parts of the state, residents can acquire marijuana almost as easily as ordering takeout. A quick text or call, and cannabis is delivered or available for pickup. With possession and consumption legal, enforcing bans on sales is nearly impossible without concrete evidence of a transaction. This dynamic empowers illegal sellers—who don’t check IDs—and leaves minors with easier access.

Who benefits from this unregulated market? Criminal organizations and out-of-state interests. Illegal suppliers control the flow of cannabis into Virginia, bringing with it the risks of contamination, including the potential for fentanyl-laced products. Meanwhile, Virginia taxpayers foot the bill for the societal costs of this black market, including enforcement efforts and public health impacts.

The Governor’s claim that the costs of a regulated market outweigh its benefits ignores the reality on the ground. Legalization would not create new problems; it would provide tools to address existing ones. A regulated market would generate substantial tax revenue to fund education, health care, and infrastructure; ensure product safety by mandating testing for harmful substances like pesticides or fentanyl; and reduce illegal activity by undercutting the black market.

Gov. Youngkin’s approach is akin to standing idly by as the fire spreads. Developing a regulated market won’t extinguish the flames entirely, but it’s a necessary “back burn” to control the broader blaze. Nero’s fiddle didn’t save Rome, and inaction won’t save Virginia.

It’s time for the governor to put down the fiddle, step outside the Capitol, and face what’s already burning across the state.

The people of Virginia deserve leadership that tackles challenges head-on, not one that fiddles while Virginia smokes.

The writer is the former president of the Loudoun County Branch NAACP. He also is the president of Cannabis Equity Consultants LLC.