Last year, Virginia decriminalized the possession of marijuana. Thursday, the House of Delegates discussed the issues involved with legalizing it.
In Thursday’s session Majority Leader Charniele Herring of Alexandria outlined the issues involved in the legalization process.
“Thank you, Madam Speaker. And sorry, but this will be probably the longest presentation I've given on this floor, but I think it's important I go through the bill,” she said.
Herring’s presentation wasn’t that long, but it did touch on lots of issues: when marijuana is available for sale, public health and licensing. She also discussed social, racial, and economic equity and the expungement of previous marijuana convictions.
Virginia has paid special attention to that: who benefits from the legalization of marijuana and how the state will approach those who were punished by marijuana laws in the past.
On these issues there are still key differences between what the House is proposing, and what the Senate wants to do.
But there are some places where both chambers seem to be in agreement. You could start buying marijuana legally in 2024. A new, independent agency would regulate it. And there is a key need to address racial inequities that stem from historically uneven enforcement of marijuana laws.
The House of Delegates will have its final vote on legalization Friday. Christopher Newport University released a survey Tuesday that found that 68% of Virginians support legalizing marijuana.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.