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Both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly passed marijuana legalization Friday. (Shutterstock)
RICHMOND, VA Both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly passed marijuana legalization Friday. While each bill would delay retail sales until 2024, they would legalize simple possession of marijuana in the state as soon as this summer.
The two bills, SB 1406 and HB 2312, legalize the use and growing of marijuana for personal use by adults 21 and older, provide for the automatic expungement process of certain marijuana-related offenses, and establish a regulatory framework for commercial cannabis production, manufacturing, testing and retail sales.
Differences between the Senate and House of Delegates bills would need to be resolved before the bill would be sent to Gov. Ralph Northam, who has expressed interest in marijuana legalization but who may want to make changes to any bill that comes to his desk.