The move makes Virginia the first Southern state to legalize marijuana following 15 other states and the District of Columbia.
Virginia lawmakers approved a bill on Saturday that would legalize the sale and recreational use of marijuana as of 2024.
Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn applauded her colleagues in both chambers for passing the measure.
“The House and Senate took a strong step in legalizing the sale and possession of Marijuana here in the Commonwealth,” said Filler-Corn on Twitter. “This legislation will make our criminal justice system fairer and help end the targeting of black and brown communities over the possession of cannabis.”
The legislation now goes to Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, who supports legalization, for his signature.
