Virginia Marijuana Legalization Bills Cleared For Full Senate And House Votes This Week

Bills to legalize marijuana in Virginia advanced out of two committees on Wednesday, the final step before full floor action.

The Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee and House Appropriations Committee each passed reform legislation ahead of a mid-session deadline approaching on Friday. Both bills have gone through multiple panels since Gov. Ralph Northam (D) and top lawmakers unveiled their legalization plan last month.

The Senate panel approved its bill 11-4, while the House of Delegates committee cleared its version 13-7, with one abstention.