The Virginia Senate sent Governor Ralph Northam decriminalization legislation on Sunday, March 8. While not yet signed as of this post, the Governor has endorsed this legislation before, and is expected to ratify. If signed, cannabis will be decriminalized in Virginia as of July 1, 2020.
What Does This Mean?
Decriminalization means that cannabis is still illegal, but violations of the law will be treated more like a minor traffic ticket than a major crime deserving of jail time. As of now, possession of half an ounce of cannabis can be punishable by up to 30 days in jail, plus fines; possession of cannabis concentrates like hash oil can result in up to 10 years in prison.
Once (and if) this new law goes into effect, possession of up to one ounce of marijuana or the equivalent amount in derivative products (like hash oil, concentrates, or tinctures) will result in a $25 fine rather than jail time. Smoking or general consumption in public though, will still be a terrible idea.
Most importantly for many, the new law will also seal records for past and future convictions, and prohibit employers and educational institutions from asking you about previous violations or convictions.
Legalization May Still be Far
While decriminalization is a large step for Virginia, a state with some of the stiffest cannabis possession penalties around, it does not mean that legalization will be coming any time soon. Legalization was proposed this year, but the proposal was quickly rejected in the House. It certainly could happen next year, but it’s equally likely that Virginia will wait until the Federal government changes its position on cannabis, if ever.
Is there a take-away? Yes: reading this post didn’t get you a lawyer; don’t rely on something you read online in making decisions that can impact your life in a major way. Also, as a reminder, the law will not take effect until July 1, 2020, so any possession in the meantime can still land you in trouble.