The state of Virginia will be kicking off retail sales of marijuana in 2024, pending another vote by the General Assembly in 2022.
The state has however launched its marijuana legalization website so that Virginians can stay up to date on what is going on.
Gov. Ralph Northam says the legalization was about “equity” above all, as studies show Black Virginians are four times more likely to face marijuana charges than white Virginians.
The Cannabis Control Board is also being created to help regulate the industry.
The state’s website reads:
On April 7, 2021, Virginia became the first state in the South to begin the process of legalizing adult-use cannabis. HB2312 (Herring) and SB1406 (Ebbin; Lucas), introduced by Governor Northam and passed by the 2021 General Assembly, prioritize social equity, public health and public safety and lay out a three year process to legalize cannabis and create a regulatory framework for the sale of the product.
These changes begin on July 1, 2021 with the creation of a new state authority to regulate the industry and with the legalization of simple possession and home cultivation for adults 21 years and over. Following reenactment by the 2022 General Assembly, the Cannabis Control Authority, advised by a Health Advisory Council, will complete regulations, implement a social equity program, and issue business licenses. On January 1, 2024, assuming reenactment, legal sales to adults 21 and older can begin.
Starting on July 1st:
Adults 21 years and older will be allowed to possess not more than one ounce of cannabis for personal use.
Generally, adults 21 years and older will be allowed to use marijuana in private residences. However, nothing prohibits the owner of a private residence from restricting the use of marijuana on its premises.
Adults 21 and over will also be allowed to grow up to four plants per household (not per person), according to specified requirements (see “Home Cultivation” below).
“Adult sharing” or transferring one ounce or less of marijuana between persons who are 21 years or older without remuneration will be legal. “Adult sharing” does not include instances in which (i) marijuana is given away contemporaneously with another reciprocal transaction between the same parties; (ii) a gift of marijuana is offered or advertised in conjunction with an offer for the sale of goods or services; or (iii) a gift of marijuana is contingent upon a separate reciprocal transaction for goods or services.
