The first southern US state legalizes marijuana — what it means nationally

By Justin Strekal / The Hill

The commonwealth of Virginia has become the first state in the South to legalize marijuana for adults.

Starting July 1, those ages 21 and older will be permitted to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and they’ll be able to home-cultivate up to four marijuana plants. Retail sales of cannabis products are expected to start no later than July 1, 2024.

Virginia’s decision to legalize follows similar actions in recent days by lawmakers in New York and New Mexico. In New York, the governor signed legislation legalizing the adult-use market on March 31, while New Mexico’s governor is expected to sign similar legislation into law any day now.

For those keeping score at home, in total 17 states and the District of Columbia will have enacted adult-use legalization legislation by this summer.