RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Gov. Ralph Northam is pushing to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Virginia, which could be the first Southern state to do so.
Northam announced his support for legalization Monday, saying he wants a responsible approach that promotes racial equity and preserves youth safety. The Democratic governor said he is going to propose legislation during next year’s legislative session, a process he said could take up to two years. But he added that he’s certain the drug will eventually be legal for personal use.
“Legalizing marijuana will happen in Virginia,” Northam said.
The governor had previously supported decriminalizing marijuana but not full legalization. He said there are many reasons why he changed his mind, including unequal punishments for marijuana-related crimes among people of color. Northam said it’s also clear that the public’s views have largely shifted in…
