Virginia Legislature Approves Sweeping Marijuana Changes…First Step In Decriminalization Justice Reform

Individuals in Virginia who are in possession of up to one ounce of Marijuana for personal use will no longer be subject to criminal prosecution and will instead face a maximum 25 dollar civil penalty. The sweeping change to current pot laws was approved by the General Assembly in a bipartisan effort over the weekend. Senator Adam Ebbin, co-sponsor of the bill says the approval is a major step forward for criminal justice reform in the Commonwealth. Ebbin also said that prohibition on marijuana has clearly failed and impacts nearly thirty thousand Virginians per year. The legislation is now headed to
Governor Ralph Northam for his signature.