Virginia advocates of marijuana may be thrilled to learn that the state’s lawmakers are working with Governor Ralph Northam (D) to legalize the drug by summer.

According to a Twitter statement from House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn (D) on Friday, who supports marijuana legislation, she is now working with lawmakers and governor Northam on a solution and to allow simple possession in July instead of in 2024.

Filler-Corn tweeted Friday that she is working with her colleagues in the General Assembly and Northam to move up the timeline to July. Advocacy groups in the state have been pushing for such a move as well.

Lawmakers are working with the governor to amend the marijuana legalization bill passed that had been passed in February.

“The legalization of Marijuana is a critical step in the direction of creating a fairer and more equitable Virginia,” Filler-Corn wrote on her Twitter. “I continue to work with @C_Herring, @delegatebagby, my colleagues in the House & Senate & @GovernorVA to amend our bill with a legalization date of July, 1st, 2021.”

Multiple sources have told 8News discussions have taken place and Northam is considering an amendment and VPM News reported this week that the governor is expected to amend the bill.

“In our pursuit of righting past wrongs, no Virginian can be left behind,” Filler-Corn wrote in her statement.

Nothing formal has happened yet, but the governor has indicated that he doesn’t like the idea of continuing to punish people for something that will soon be legal.

“I personally don’t think we should be arresting or penalizing somebody for something we’re getting ready to legalize,” the governor told VPM in an interview Wednesday. “I plan to place a number of amendments in front of the legislature, and hopefully we’ll be able to move those forward.”


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