Virginia: Ask the General Assembly to reject the increase in public consumption fines

During negotiations to include adult-use sales in the budget bill, a steep compromise was made regarding public consumption to satisfy Gov. Abigail Spanberger. Lawmakers agreed to increase the current civil fine of $25, in place since 2021, to a staggering fine of $250. This is too steep an increase for many Virginians currently struggling with affordability issues.

If you live in Virginia, ask your legislators to reject the 900% increase in fines for public consumption!

Even though the new fines would not go into effect until July 1, 2027, it is never too early to let your legislators and the governor know that this punishment is out of line with the nature of the violation. We have decades of data showing that law enforcement inequitably enforces cannabis prohibition laws against people of color and poorer Virginians. Let’s not repeat the mistakes of the past. 

The compromise also allows localities to stack additional fines on top of the state penalty. This creates a dangerous incentive for cities and towns to utilize cannabis consumers as a revenue generator. This issue would be best handled by the General Assembly next year, which would allow the legislative process to play out with input from the public and policy experts.