Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has proposed fast-tracking the legalization of marijuana. Currently, the state is scheduled to legalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana in July 2024. Now, Northam is looking to legalize simple possession of marijuana this July.
“Our Commonwealth is committed to legalizing marijuana in an equitable way,” Northam said in a press release.
“Virginia will become the 15th state to legalize marijuana—and these changes will ensure we do it with a focus on public safety, public health, and social justice. I am grateful to the advocates and legislators for their dedicated work on this important issue, and I look forward to this legislation passing next month.”
The Virginia General Assembly passed simple possession of marijuana back in February. Through this legislation, criminal penalties for simple possession will end. Adding on, marijuana-related offenses will be expunged from criminal records in 2026. Rounding out the bill, the state will form the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to oversee the production and sale of cannabis across the state. At this time, there is no push to expedite the two other sections of the bill.
Virginia is ready to legalize adult-use marijuana—and I believe we should get it done starting July 1, 2021.https://t.co/RF1DR0lRPC
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) March 31, 2021
