Virginia Legalizes Recreational Pot Possession Starting July 1st
Virginia is now the 16th state to legalize recreational pot possession, and the first in the South. Virginia's Democratic-controlled Legislature passed the bill legalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana yesterday. Under Virginia's new law, adults 21 and over can possess up to an ounce of marijuana beginning July 1, rather than Jan. 1, 2024 as the VA Legislature originally proposed.
Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam supported quick legalization, arguing that it would be unfair to penalize people for possessing a drug that would soon be legal.
Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax broke a 20-20 vote tie in Virginia's Senate to pass the bill. No Republicans supported the legislation.
Virginia still has some issues to work out regarding the retail sale of marijuana. It will be legal to grow up to four marijuana plants beginning July 1, but it could be several years before the state begins licensing recreational pot retailers.
By: Don Lam & Curated Content
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