Charlottesville-area representative backs Northamâs marijuana legalization amendments Charlottesville-area political leaders applaud Governor Northam's new marijuana legislation By Elizabeth Holmes | April 1, 2021 at 1:09 PM EDT - Updated April 2 at 3:28 PM CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Some political leaders in the Charlottesville area are applauding Governor Ralph Northamâs push for marijuana legalization to start this summer. One of the proposed amendments would make it legal for anyone to possess up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use. Though this change wouldnât go into effect until July 1, 2021, it would still be three years ahead of schedule. The push also means wiping criminal charges and re-sentencing efforts will happen faster.