In a 55-42 vote, the House passed House Bill 2312, which eliminates criminal penalties for marijuana possession for anyone 21 or older.
In a 23-15 vote, the Senate of Virginia passed Senate Bill 1406 on Friday evening.
Ad[Marijuana legalization advancing forward after a Senate committee vote]Through the bill, there is a tax on retail marijuana, retail marijuana products, marijuana paraphernalia and other products at a rate of 21% and gives localities the option to levy a 3% tax.
Both measures envision retail sales starting in 2024, overseen by a newly created regulatory entity.
AdโItโs really not marijuana legalization, itโs marijuana commercialization theyโre trying to pass,โ Whitsett said.