Virginia’s cannabis decriminalization law took effect July 1 and the law reclassifies possession of one ounce or less of cannabis to a civil penalty punishable by a fine of up to $25. The reclassification is now the lowest fine of any decriminalization law in the country. Governor Ralph Northam (D) signed the decrim bill (SB 2/ HB 972) into law in May, making Virginia the 27th state to decriminalize simple possession. The decriminalization law also creates a workgroup to study legalization in Virginia and make recommendations by November 30, 2020. Last week, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus pledged to introduce legislation to legalize cannabis during a special session set for August, among other criminal justice and policing reforms. Changes coming to Southeast US Virginia’s decriminalization law goes into effect as cannabis policy reform continues to gain momentum in the South.
The Leaf Online, 09/20/2020 11:45:43
Open article: http://theleafonline.com/c/social-justice/2020/09/virginia-decrim-2020/