Virginia lawmakers have given final approval to a bill that will legalize marijuana for adult recreational use. But legalization will not occur until 2024, when retail sales of the drug would also begin.
A compromise bill cleared the state House and Senate on Saturday evening. That makes Virginia the first Southern state to vote to legalize marijuana. It joins 15 other states and the District of Columbia.
The legislation now goes to Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, who supports legalization.
Several Democrats said they hoped Northam would send the legislation back to them with amendments, including speeding up the date for legalization.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
