RICHMOND, Va. – With the stroke of a pen, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has cleared the way for marijuana legalization on July 1.

As supporters looked on, Northam held a signing ceremony for the bill he championed through the General Assembly this year, saying the legislation is long overdue.

The bill allows anyone in the state 21 or older to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana beginning July 1. Adults will be permitted grow up to four pot plants per household at home, though the plants must kept away from public view. The plants must be tagged with the owner’s name and driver’s license or identification number and note that they are being grown for personal use.

He also said the Commonwealth will begin the process of bringing cannabis to the marketplace. Northam told the gathering “Virginia will create a legal market for marijuana the right way.”

He has also joined 20 other governors in sending a letter to Congress urging passage of legislation that will allow states that have legalized marijuana to operate under the national banking system. The SAFE Banking Act of 2021 would clear the way for banks and credit unions to assist state-licensed, marijuana-related businesses.