The new cannabis law only needs to be signed into law by Democratic Governor Ralph Northam
On Saturday there was Parliament in Richmond green light for cannabis legalization. Beginning January 1, 2024, possession of up to one ounce (28.3 grams) of marijuana will be legal and state-regulated sales will begin. This makes Virginia the first Southern state to join the other 15 US states and the District of Columbia, which have already shelved or relaxed cannabis prohibition.
Despite all the joy about the historic step, some democratic MPs criticize the slow implementation of the law. It is more than urgent to free the simple possession of cannabis later this year, in particular to Legal uncertainty for the black population which continues to be subjected to police racial profiling.
Since 2020, possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use is no longer a criminal offense, but can be punished as a misdemeanor with a fine of no more than $25.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, the new legislation does not go far enough to "break the chains of marijuana prohibition." The Virginia General Assembly failed to legalize cannabis on grounds of racial justice.
This content was originally published here.
