Assembly votes to legalize marijuana in Virginia
Adopted just before the General Assembly adjourned Saturday, the legislation delays key decisions about how the Virginiaâs marijuana marketplace will operate until next year. Gov. Northam is grateful to the General Assembly for their hard work, and looks forward to continuing to improve this legislation. Alena Yarmosky, governorâs spokeswoman
By Ned Oliver
Lawmakers in the Virginia House and Senate voted Saturday to legalize recreational marijuana beginning in 2024, but opted to delay key decisions about how the new marketplace will operate until next year.
âThis moves us in a direction to strike down and address institutional barriers, over policing, over arrests and over convictions of African Americans, who do not use marijuana at a higher rate than our White counterparts, but we seem to get the brunt of criminal convictions,â said House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, citing a state study that fo
NORML
Members of the Virginia Senate and the House of Delegates approved legislation today, Senate Bill 1406 and House Bill 2312, to legalize cannabis possession, personal cultivation, and retail sales for adults 21 and older. The bills now head to the governor for his approval, amendment, or veto.
Commenting on the passage of the bills, NORML Development Director Jenn Michelle Pedini, who also serves as the Executive Director of Virginia NORML, said, “The advancement of this legislation is another historic step for cannabis justice in Virginia. Stakeholders, the administration, and the legislature have dedicated hundreds of hours to craft legislation that is just and equitable, and that will replace the failed policy of cannabis prohibition with one that promotes Virginia’s economy as well as Virginians’ public health and safety.”
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What happens now that marijuana is almost legal in Virginia
Votes make history in General Assembly
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Marijuana is on its way to becoming legal in Virginia.
Jenn Michelle Pedini, the executive director of Virginia NORML, a nonprofit fighting for legalization and responsible adult-use of cannabis, called the passing of these two bills is a step forward.
“Last week we saw, really, more history being made with cannabis policy in Virginia. This was the first time that a marijuana legalization bill was not only heard, but debated and passed on the floor of not one, but both chambers,” said Pedini.