Va.: Gov. Northam asks legislature to legalize cannabis on July 1, 2021

The governor’s proposed amendments would also speed up expungements and sealing of criminal records; urge lawmakers to support the amendments!

As expected, Gov. Ralph Northam has asked the Virginia General Assembly to amend the adult-use legalization bill so possession and home cultivation will become legal on July 1, 2021 instead of waiting until 2024. The governor also requested other changes, including an amendment that would expedite the process of expunging and sealing criminal records, beginning as soon as state agencies are able to do so. Legislators will meet to consider these changes beginning on April 7.

Please write your state legislators and urge them to support the governor’s proposed amendments!

Unfortunately, Gov. Northam did not request an amendment to the provision that would criminalize bringing small amounts of cannabis into Virginia. We will continue to raise awareness about this problem with the law and work to get it changed in 2022.

In other positive news, Gov. Northam signed HB 1862, a bill that will protect medical cannabis patients from being disciplined or fired by their employers for using cannabis away from work.

After you email your elected officials, please share this news with your family and friends!