Virginia’s House and Senate have given initial approved to two differing versions of bills to legalize marijuana sales in the Commonwealth—teeing up final votes and bicameral negotiations on the reform while also advancing separate legislation to provide a pathway to resentencing for people with past cannabis convictions.
On Monday, the House passed a marijuana sales measure from Del. Paul Krizek (D) on second reading—and the Senate did the same with its version from Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D)—setting the stage for final floor votes in their respective chambers on Tuesday, which is the deadline for bills to cross over from their originating chamber to the other body.
The Senate also gave final third reading approval to a separate resentencing bill, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Louise Lucas (D), in a 21-17 vote on Monday, while the House version from Del. Rozia Henson, Jr. (D) passed in a voice vote on second reading.
While both House and Senate marijuana sales measures are aimed at giving adults a legal means of buying cannabis, the possession and home cultivation of which was legalized in the state in 2021, there are several substantive differences that will need to be resolved before the reform potentially
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