Virginia marijuana legalization timetable has many confused

The date for legalizing marijuana possession is drawing near in Virginia, and people have questions

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia's road to legalizing simple possession of marijuana has had some twists and turns, so it's not surprising that advocacy groups have been flooded with calls from people trying to understand exactly what will be allowed under state law as of July 1. Legislators initially voted in February to legalize possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for adult recreational use, but not until 2024, when retail sales would begin. An outcry ensued over the three-year wait before ending pot possession penalties, so in April they voted to move up legalization to this July 1. Adding to the confusion: lawmakers included a “reenactment clause," which means the General Assembly will have to vote again next year on major portions of the law, mainly to establish a regulatory framework for the legal marijuana marketplace. The process has resulted in some contradictions that may not get resolved until years after legalization begins.