WV: Decriminalization and legalization bills to support this session!

Marijuana decriminalization and legalization bills in West Virginia have been filed by Senator Mike Woelfl this session! We are thrilled the Mountain State has the opportunity to evolve on cannabis laws, as many of its neighboring states have.

The decriminalization bill, SB 219, would:

• Reduce the penalty for possession of under 15 grams to a fine of no more than $25, removing the possibility of jail time
• Downgrade the offense from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil violation

The legalization bill, SJR3, would refer a state constitutional amendment to voters that — if approved — would:

• Allows adults 21 years of age and older to legally possess no more than two ounces of cannabis and four plants
• Provide that any prior convictions for possession of two ounces or less of cannabis will be dismissed and/or expunged

If you live in West Virginia, ask your legislator to support these efforts to change the cannabis regulatory landscape!

In 2023, the FBI Uniform Crime Report found 1,854 adult arrests in West Virginia for simple marijuana possession (with 86% of agencies reporting).

West Virginia is the fourth worst state for racial disparities in marijuana arrests — Black people are 7.3 times more likely to be arrested for cannabis possession than white people in the state, despite similar use rates.

It's time for West Virginia to catch up with Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia — and to give voters a chance to end the war on cannabis.