Virginia Senate, House Pass Marijuana Legalization Bills

RICHMOND, VA — Both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly passed marijuana legalization Friday. While each bill would delay retail sales until 2024, they would legalize simple possession of marijuana in the state as soon as this summer.

The two bills, SB 1406 and HB 2312, legalize the use and growing of marijuana for personal use by adults 21 and older, provide for the automatic expungement process of certain marijuana-related offenses, and establish a regulatory framework for commercial cannabis production, manufacturing, testing and retail sales.

Differences between the Senate and House of Delegates’ bills would need to be resolved before the bill would be sent to Gov. Ralph Northam, who has expressed interest in marijuana legalization but who may want to make changes to any bill that comes to his desk.

If the legislation is signed into law, Virginia would join 15 other states and the District of Columbia in legalizing small amounts of marijuana for adult recreational use.

The House passed its version of the legislation on a 55-42 vote. The Senate advanced its bill 23-15.

The sale of marijuana would be overseen by a newly created regulatory entity. The Senate version would allow localities to prevent retail stores from opening within their jurisdictions.

RELATED: Medical Marijuana Facility In Manassas Ready To Launch Operations

“Virginians have been clear in their support for this issue and Governor Northam agrees, it is time to legalize the responsible use of cannabis by adults in the Commonwealth,” Jenn Michelle Pedini, executive director of Virginia NORML, a marijuana, said Friday in a statement. Virginia NORML is the state affiliate of a national group that has been advocating for the legalization of marijuana for decades.

“While today’s historic votes seek to put this majority public opinion into practice, there still remains much work to be done by NORML and others to ensure that Virginia gets it right and implements legislation that is expeditious and just,” Pedini said.

In 2020, the General Assembly passed decriminalization legislation, making simple possession a civil penalty that can be punished by a fine of no more than $25.

New statewide polling data shows that 68 percent of registered voters in Virginia, including majorities of Democrats and Republicans, support legalizing marijuana for adults.

Last July, Virginia allowed possession of authorized medical cannabis products by those registered to participate in the state’s program. Currently, there are only four dispensaries open: Beyond-Hello in Manassas; Dharma Pharmaceuticals in Bristol, gLeaf in Richmond and Columbia Care in Portsmouth.

Virginia is divided into five health service areas for purposes of health care administration. The state selected one pharmaceutical processor to operate in each of the five HSAs. Northern Virginia is referred to as HSA II.