Virginia Becomes The 16th State To Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis

Lets welcome Virginia into the chat! This week, Virginia became the 16th state and the first in the south to legalize adult-use cannabis.

Per NPR

Virginia’s Democratic-controlled Legislature passed a bill legalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana on Wednesday, making it the 16th state to take the step.

Under Virginia’s new law, adults ages 21 and over can possess an ounce or less of marijuana beginning on July 1, rather than Jan. 1, 2024. Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, proposed moving up the date, arguing it would be a mistake to continue to penalize people for possessing a drug that would soon be legal.

Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, also a Democrat, broke a 20-20 vote tie in Virginia’s Senate to pass the bill. No Republicans supported the measure.

The vote was close. House Republicans opposed many parts of the bill, including one that would grant licensing preferences to people and groups who’ve been affected by the war on drugs and make it easier for workers in the industry to unionize. 

Virginia is now the first state in the south to allow for adult-use. Now, Maryland and D.C. won’t be so lonely.

Read more here

Source: NPR