Virginia Assembly OKs legal marijuana

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia lawmakers gave final approval Saturday to a bill that will legalize marijuana for adult recreational use, but not until 2024, when retail sales of the drug would also begin.

Virginia becomes the first Southern state to vote to legalize marijuana, joining 15 other states and the District of Columbia. The legislation now goes to Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, who supports legalization.

The bill was a top priority for Democrats, who framed legalization as a necessary step to end the disparate treatment of people of color under current marijuana laws.

But talks between Democrats in the House and Senate grew tense in recent days as the chambers wrangled over significant differences between their versions of the legislation.

Under the bill that passed, possession of up to an ounce of marijuana will become legal beginning Jan. 1, 2024, at the same time sales will begin and regulations will take effect.

Under a provision that Senate Democrats insisted on, the legislation will include a reenactment clause that will require a second vote from the General Assembly, but only on the regulatory framework and criminal penalties for several offenses, including underage use and public consumption. A second vote will not be required on legalization.

Groups that oppose legalization entirely have said they are concerned that it could result in an increase in drug-impaired driving crashes and the use of marijuana among youths.