Va.: Decriminalization bill sent to governor for his signature!

Virginia is about to become the 27th state to decriminalize marijuana possession!

The legislature has approved a bill to stop arresting and jailing Virginians for simple marijuana possession. It now heads to Gov. Ralph Northam’s desk, and it is expected that he will sign it into law.

The bill would make possession of one ounce or less of marijuana a civil penalty punishable by a $25 fine. Under current law, marijuana possession is a criminal offense punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or up to a $500 fine.

The move to decriminalize marijuana possession in Virginia is long overdue. Currently, 26 states and D.C. have stopped jailing their residents for possession of small amounts of marijuana, and polling has shown that 83 percent of Virginians support the reform.

A big kudos goes to our friends at Virginia NORML for leading the effort and working tirelessly to improve Virginia’s cannabis laws! And thank you to everyone else who played a role in this important reform.

Be sure to share this exciting news with your friends and family in Virginia.