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 unless the substance was obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription or order […]
virginia marijuana
Virginia lawmaker looks to legalize marijuana in special session
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 decriminalize, we can legalize,” said Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, a Democrat representing parts of Prince […]
Virginia marijuana decriminalization law takes effect today
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 Ebbin and Delegate Herring, both longtime champions of evidence-based cannabis policy, to bring about these […]
Virginia Governor decriminalizes marijuana possession
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 penalties for offenses involving personal possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a […]
Virginia lawmakers vote to decriminalize marijuana, set $25 civil penalty for possession
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 as criminals and no longer will suffer the negative repercussions of a criminal conviction,” said […]
After Years Of Trying, Marijuana Decriminalization Moves Forward In Virginia
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 current $500 fine and 30-day jail stay. The civil penalty would also stay off of […]
Virginia House of Delegates votes to decriminalize marijuana
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 the 44 Republicans in the House voted to support the bill that would knock simple […]
Virginia Governor Makes Marijuana Decriminalization Top Of Legislative Agenda
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 Democrats took control of both chambers. Ahead of that meeting, Northam released a host of […]
Prosecutors won’t pursue marijuana possession charges in 2 Northern Va. counties
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 pledges by Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano and Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, […]
Virginia moves closer to more relaxed pot laws with Democratic majority
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 Democrats’ new majority in Richmond, lawmakers expect to pass legislation that has languished in previous years andseeks […]
