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Adult-use marijuana is likely to be legalized in Virginia this year, but some sticking points still need to be worked out before that can happen. (Photo: Alex Scribner/VPM News)
State lawmakers are moving at breakneck speed to legalize recreational marijuana in Virginia and provide a clean slate for thousands of people previously convicted of marijuana offenses.
The proposals now before the General Assembly are lengthy and complex and will likely continue to be finessed over the coming weeks before reaching Governor Ralph Northam’s desk. Although law enforcement groups largely oppose legalization, some form of the legislation will likely pass, and advocates say the process has been thorough.
Landmark legislation that would make Virginia the first state in the South to legalize marijuana is heading toward its first full votes before the House and Senate this week.
And while the proposal has garnered consistent â and in some cases bipartisan â support, significant debate remains on key details of the proposal, including when and how criminal penalties should be rolled back as the state begins working to establish a legal marketplace for the drug.
Lawmakers and advocates said the question became even more important last week as the legislation was amended in both the House and Senate to push the start of retail sales to Jan. 1, 2024, a full year later than the 2023 date proposed by Gov. Ralph Northam.
Localities that do not wish to have marijuana retailers in their jurisdictions may be able to opt out via referendum, according to a recommendation from a Senate panel examining a
Tracking extremist groups: ADL says itâs working with law enforcement to thwart threats in Richmond
Tracking extremist groups: ADL says itâs working with law enforcement to thwart threats in Richmond By Henry Graff | January 15, 2021 at 11:58 AM EST - Updated January 15 at 6:38 PM
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - The threat that the country and capitals like Richmond are facing did not just come out of thin air. The rush is on for law enforcement to round up those involved in the U.S. Capitol attack and find others who want to do even more harm.
âWe have been warning for months about the rising tide, the calls for violence around the election,â said Doron Ezickson, Anti-Defamation League.