Virginia Governor Calls on State Lawmakers to Legalize Pot

Virginia’s governor on Monday urged lawmakers to send him a bill that would legalize marijuana.

Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said he wants to sign a measure that would include the automatic expunging of past marijuana-related criminal records, an abuse-prevention element, and age restrictions. Virginia decriminalized marijuana earlier this year under Northam and the Democratic-led General Assembly.

“It’s time to legalize marijuana in Virginia,” according to Northam. “Our Commonwealth has an opportunity to be the first state in the South to take this step, and we will lead with a focus on equity, public health, and public safety,” he said.

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