Virginia becomes the 16th state in the U.S. to legalize cannabis

It is the first Southern state in the United States to legalize recreational cannabis use. Virginia will become the 16th U.S. state to legalize cannabis once its governor signs the bill into law, which is expected to happen soon. The Virginia House of Delegates and Senate voted «yes» on Wednesday to the bill proposed by Democratic Governor Ralph Northam.

Effective July 1, 2021, the 8.5 million residents will be able to legally possess one ounce (28 grams) of flower and grow up to four cannabis plants at home. A small revolution for a state historically conservative. During the Civil War, Virginia had also campaigned against the abolition of slavery.

«Today, we've made tremendous progress toward ending the targeting of Black and Latino Virginians, thanks to a law that takes effect this summer.», says the president of the House of Representatives, Democrat Eileen Filler-Corn.

The «yes» vote has also been applauded by NORML, a pro-cannabis advocacy group. The Democratic majority leader in the House even thanked him: « »Making this day a reality for Virginia would not have been possible without their hard work and dedication to this cause.", says Charniele Herring.

In the other chamber, the Senate, the vote was very close: a 20-20 tie. It took the vote of the deputy governor, who is also the president of the lower house, to break the Senate Bill 1406. No Republican senator voted in favor of the Democratic governor's proposal.

Two-step legalization

Governor Northam had originally planned to legalize cannabis in 2024. But he changed his plans and moved up the timeline to July 2021. Starting this summer, it will therefore be possible to possess a small amount of cannabis… but it may be a few years before it becomes available for purchase in stores. That’s because lawmakers will vote on the specific details of legalization next year.

For now, we only know that there will be a future Cannabis Control Authority. It will meet for the first time this summer. Its exact role is not yet known, but it is expected to have authority over the cannabis stores. This will allow it to revoke a business owner’s license if the owner fails to comply with certain rules. For example: if an employer prevents an employee from joining a union.

Finally, the governor’s proposal includes a significant focus on social justice. In this former Confederate state, 19 % of the population is Black. And according to the head of the local government, «l»Black people in Virginia are 3.5 times more likely to be accused of a crime than white people. And they are four times more likely to be charged.". To correct this situation, the government will make it easier for Black people to obtain business licenses. In addition, 30 % of the taxes will go to Black and Latino communities. That’s a lot. except in New Jersey, where that percentage is 70 %.