Virginia governor's plan to legalize cannabis

With a red tie and gold pins on his chest, Virginia's governor has a goal for 2021: to legalize cannabis quickly. Ralph Northam believes that, for Virginia, «it's time to join 16 other states and legalize cannabis« .

For this elected Democrat, known for his moderate positions, the goal is to move quickly, and authorize the sale of cannabis in stores as of January 1, 2023. That's what he said in his annual address to local parliamentarians.

Ralph Northam had already decriminalize cannabis in April 2020. At the time, local MPs were already looking to the future and were considering legalizing recreational use. For the governor, legalization is above all a question of racial equality: «We know that whites and blacks smoke cannabis at similar rates. But blacks are 3.5 times more likely to be charged with a crime than whites. And they are four times more likely to be charged.

If the bill becomes law, Virginia would become the first southern U.S. state to legalize cannabis. Virginia, though located just a few miles from Washington D.C., was slaveholding and joined the pro-slavery Confederacy during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Ralph Northam therefore wanted to send a political message, especially to the African-American community, which represents more than 19 % of Virginia's population.

But the governor is also seeking to reassure the conservative electorate. In the 2020 presidential election, 44 % of Virginia residents slipped a Donald Trump ballot into the ballot box. To calm tempers, the governor clarifies: « We have carried out studies, And we can do it right, with the aim of social justice, public health and safety for all.»

28 grams of cannabis

If the law is passed, it will be possible to possess up to one ounce (28 grams) of cannabis. Those with a green thumb will also be able to grow four plants at home, but only two at maturity. Visit bud will also be available over the counter in licensed stores. The stated aim is to tax sales in order to redistribute. «Because it's an illegal activity, cannabis doesn't make Virginia any money, regrets the governor. By legalizing and taxing, we can use this money to help the communities most affected by the injustice of our laws.»

Ralph Northam wants to impose a minimum tax of 21 % on cannabis sales. Other taxes, such as those levied by municipalities, could be added to this rate. In total, for every $10 spent on cannabis, $3 would go into the coffers of the State of Virginia.

According to the bill, 40 % of the taxes obtained would be redistributed to pre-kindergarten schools, the equivalent of our nursery schools. A special fund - the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund - will receive 30 % of the money, and the state will grant 25 % to an addiction program.

For now, Governor Ralph Northam doesn't know if he'll have enough votes from lawmakers to pass his legislation. By early 2020, both the Virginia House of Representatives and Senate had voted in favor of decriminalization.