Wednesday, April 7, could be a big day for advocates of marijuana legalization.

Henrico Delegate Lamont Bagby, chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, confirmed last week that he and other “legislators are working with Gov. Ralph S. Northam” to prevent a three-year wait.

The bill that passed the General Assembly and was sent to the governor for his signature calls for adult possession of an ounce or less of marijuana to become legal as of July 1, 2024.

In comments to the Richmond Crusade for Voters summarizing the action at the legislative session that ended in early March, Delegate Bagby said the current effort focuses on crafting guber- natorial amendments to be presented at the General Assembly’s April 7 veto session that would make possession of small amounts of marijuana legal in about 100 days, on July 1.

Other amendments could impact the treatment of youths who are found to be in possession of marijuana and when people could legally grow a few plants at home.

Proposed changes in the marijuana bill would be among the most significant legislative changes to be considered during the veto session.

Virginia already is on track to become the first Southern state to legalize marijuana, but the legislature put off the change until 2024 allow a new regulatory agency to be set up and begin issuing licenses for retail stores, producers and distributors.

Last year, Gov. Northam signed legislation that removed criminal penalties for adults found in possession of small amounts of marijuana. Such possession now carries a civil penalty of $25.

However, advocates argue that Black people, who were arrested at four times the rate of white people when marijuana possession was a crime, are now receiving more civil summons and fines than other groups.

The governor is now regarded as the last hope for those who argue that penalties should be eliminated entirely for adults when it comes to possession of small amounts of marijuana.