The language, which creates two new misdemeanors, will take effect with Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin’s signature.
Category: Virginia
With the 2022 legislative session having already ended, this vote effectively ends any further discussion of the legislation this year.
The Governor has proposed an amendment in the nature of a substitute to SB 591 which would create two new misdemeanors for personal marijuana possession.
“These legislative improvements will bring great relief to the thousands of Virginians waiting to access the medical cannabis program,” said JM Pedini, NORML’s Development Director and the Executive Director of Virginia NORML.
Senate Bill 391 advances to the House of Delegates on a historic bipartisan 21-18 vote.
Long awaited sales of cannabis flower in Virginia began this month when medical dispensaries received the final product approvals from the state’s regulatory agency.
Virginia becomes the first southern state to legalize the possession and use of marijuana by adults.
Governor Northam recommended that provisions in the legislation legalizing the personal possession and personal cultivation of cannabis by adults take effect on July 1, 2021 rather than on January 1, 2024 — the enactment date initially approved by lawmakers.