Virginia, just legalize marijuana already September 3, 2020 AggregatedNews Opinions, Virginia 0 Comments Virginia Democrats are making headway in the efforts to reform the commonwealth’s criminal justice system, even if, on issues such as qualified immunity for police officers, it takes a couple of tries to get moving in the right direction. But… Read More→
Bill to end police stops for marijuana odor passes Virginia Senate August 31, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments The state Senate approved a bill Friday that would prohibit search and seizures based solely on the odor of marijuana, which activists say is a step toward ending adverse enforcement against marginalized communities. Senate Bill 5029, introduced by Sen. Louise… Read More→
New Virginia law makes it a crime to inquire about prior convictions for marijuana July 20, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments Virginia employers are trying to keep up with the influx of changes and updates to the Virginia employment law landscape, including changes to the state’s marijuana laws. It still remains unlawful for a person to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana… Read More→
Virginia lawmaker looks to legalize marijuana in special session July 6, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments On July 1, a law decriminalizing the possession of a small amount of marijuana took effect in Virginia. Now, a state lawmaker said she plans to introduce a bill, which, if passed, would go a step further. “If we can… Read More→
Virginia marijuana decriminalization law takes effect today July 1, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments Legislation passed this spring decriminalizing marijuana possession offenses and sealing the records of past convictions from public view takes effect on Wednesday, July 1. ″[National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, NORML] is proud to have worked alongside Senator… Read More→
Medical marijuana dispensary MedMen loses license in Virginia. Now Staunton could lose out entirely. June 20, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments STAUNTON – Less than a month after Governor Northam signed the bill to legalize medical marijuana, the Virginia Board of Pharmacy voted to deny MedMen's request for an extension and rescinded their conditional license to operate a medical marijuana dispensary… Read More→
Virginia Governor decriminalizes marijuana possession May 22, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments Governor Ralph Northam has signed Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 972, decriminalizing marijuana possession, according to a news release from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The new law takes effect July 1, 2020 and reduces… Read More→
Simple possession of marijuana decriminalized in Virginia, prior conviction records now sealed April 13, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments WASHINGTON — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed multiple criminal justice reform bills into law Sunday, including measures to reform parole and decriminalize simple possession of marijuana. The reform package also includes an amendment that would seal prior conviction records and… Read More→
Virginia lawmakers vote to decriminalize marijuana, set $25 civil penalty for possession March 9, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments Possession of small amounts of marijuana will no longer be punishable by jail time in Virginia under decriminalization legislation lawmakers sent to Gov. Ralph Northam on Sunday. “This means close to 30,000 people a year will no longer be labeled… Read More→
After Years Of Trying, Marijuana Decriminalization Moves Forward In Virginia February 12, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments Lower penalties for marijuana possession are on the horizon in Virginia. A bill passed on Monday by the House of Delegates would impose a civil fine of $25 for the possession of less than a half-ounce marijuana, dropping the penalty from the… Read More→
Virginia House of Delegates votes to decriminalize marijuana February 11, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments In a sweeping bipartisan vote in the House of Delegates, members voted to decriminalize marijuana possession on Monday 64-34. House Bill 972, introduced by Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria, passed its second major hurdle of the 2020 session on Monday. Nine of… Read More→
Virginia Governor Makes Marijuana Decriminalization Top Of Legislative Agenda January 4, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments Governor Ralph Northam says removing arrest and jail penalties for possession meant for personal use is his highest priority for criminal justice legislation in the upcoming session of Virginia’s General Assembly. The legislature convenes this month for the first time since… Read More→
Prosecutors won’t pursue marijuana possession charges in 2 Northern Va. counties January 3, 2020 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments Adults possessing small amounts of marijuana for personal use will no longer be prosecuted in two Northern Virginia counties, new prosecutors in Fairfax and Arlington said Thursday on one of their first days on the job. The moves fulfill campaign… Read More→
Virginia legal landscape shifts as cannabis support grows December 13, 2019 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments RICHMOND, Va. — “We do grams, eighths, quarters, half ounces, pounds, wholesale pounds -- however you want it,” Jacob Stretch said, standing between crates of dried hemp in his living room that doubles as his hemp processing and drying facility.… Read More→
Virginia moves closer to more relaxed pot laws with Democratic majority December 11, 2019 AggregatedNews Virginia 0 Comments Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring and the General Assembly’s new “Cannabis Caucus” are exploring ways to loosen state marijuana laws, and will meet Wednesday to discuss decriminalizing possession of the drug and legalizing it for recreational use. Under the… Read More→