Marijuana Legalization Approved With Earlier Timeline | Patch PM

Here are some of the share-worthy stories from Virginia and DC Patches to talk about tonight.

VA Lawmakers Okay Recreational Marijuana Possession, Cultivation

(Capital News Service) Virginia lawmakers signed off on amendments that make the possession of small amounts of recreational marijuana and homegrown plants legal in the state in July as opposed to 2024.

Virginia To Increase Patrols On I-95 To Crack Down On Bad Drivers

The Virginia State Police is participating in a two-day "Drive to Save Lives" traffic safety initiative along Interstate 95 by increasing patrols along the interstate.

Alexandria Woman Scores $1M From Fredericksburg Lottery Ticket

An Alexandria women is a million-dollar lottery winner after claiming one of the prizes in Virginia's New Year's Millionaire Raffle.

COVID-19 Update: Nearly 20% Of Virginians Fully Vaccinated

Vaccinations for the new coronavirus continue to climb across the the state. As of Thursday morning, 4,414,376 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. In total, 1,639,623 people or 19.2 percent of Virginians have been fully vaccinated.

• Loudoun Residents In Phase 2 Encouraged To Register For Vaccine

These 10 Virginia Cities Ranked As Safest In The State

Small towns are a haven for Virginians worried about crime, with most of the 10 communities named the state's safest cities in 2021 having populations of less than 10,000, according to crime statistics analyzed by SafeWise.

Also Worth a Look Today

• What Goes Into D.C.'s Best Veggie Burgers?
• New Coalition Wants To Help DC Residents Find 'Good Jobs'
• Dogtopia Reopens At Navy Yard With Contactless Drop-Off, Pick-Up
• Burke Lake Park Facilities Open Weekends, Bathroom Upgrades Begin
• Telecommunications Company To Bring 200 Jobs To Prince William
• Rising Grocery Prices In Fairfax County Place Strain On Hungry
• Rising Grocery Prices In Arlington Place Strain On Hungry
• Rising Grocery Prices In Fairfax City Place Strain On Hungry
• Rising Grocery Prices In Alexandria Place Strain On Hungry
• Child Sexual Abuse Charges Filed Against MD Man: Police
• Indecent Liberties With Child Charge Filed Against Herndon Man
• Arlington Farmers Markets Welcome Spring Season
• Arlington Coronavirus Update: No New Deaths; 46 Additional Cases
• COVID-19 Update: Nearly 20% Of Virginians Fully Vaccinated
• Rescue Me: Ray Is A Loving Cat Looking For A Retirement Home
• Falls Plaza To Be Renamed Birch & Broad, Undergo Renovations
• Adoptable Alexandria Pet: Sweet Senior Kaycee Needs Home
• Vienna Budget Hearings Approach, Flat Tax Rate Proposed

Across America

• South Carolina Shooting In Rock Hill: 5 Things To Know
• Good COVID-19 News: U.S. Nursing Home Cases Plummet Post-Vaccine
• Derecho, Firenado, Gustnado: 26 Weather Words To Know, From A-Z
• Missing Monkeys In Cincinnati? Police Go Bananas Solving Mystery
• For Ronnie Long, $750K Is Not Enough After Wrongful Imprisonment