Groups like the ACLU of Virginia want Gov. Ralph Northam to amend a bill legalizing marijuana so that it would happen in 2021 and not 2024.
RICHMOND, Va. — A bill to legalize marijuana in Virginia is still waiting for Gov. Ralph Northam’s signature.
Earlier this year, Virginia lawmakers approved a measure that would legalize marijuana for adult recreational use in 2024. Retail sales would also begin at that time.
Northam has previously said he supports making Virginia the first state in the South to legalize marijuana. The governor has cited the need for racial and social equity as part of his reasoning for supporting the proposal.
A Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) report found that Black Virginians were arrested and convicted for marijuana use at almost four times the rate of white Virginians prior to the decriminalization of marijuana in 2020.
However, Northam has recently come under pressure to amend the bill lawmakers sent to his office.
The ACLU of Virginia, Marijuana Justice, and New Virginia Majority, and more than 20 other groups recently sent Northam a letter…
Original Author Link click here to read complete story..
Groups like the ACLU of Virginia want Gov. Ralph Northam to amend a bill legalizing marijuana so that it would happen in 2021 and not 2024.
RICHMOND, Va. — A bill to legalize marijuana in Virginia is still waiting for Gov. Ralph Northam’s signature.
Earlier this year, Virginia lawmakers approved a measure that would legalize marijuana for adult recreational use in 2024. Retail sales would also begin at that time.
Northam has previously said he supports making Virginia the first state in the South to legalize marijuana. The governor has cited the need for racial and social equity as part of his reasoning for supporting the proposal.
A Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) report found that Black Virginians were arrested and convicted for marijuana use at almost four times the rate of white Virginians prior to the decriminalization of marijuana in 2020.
However, Northam has recently come under pressure to amend the bill lawmakers sent to his office.
The ACLU of Virginia, Marijuana Justice, and New Virginia Majority, and more than 20 other groups recently sent Northam a letter…
