Indopedia All Things Marijuana
On Monday, a public hearing will be held before the Virginia State Crime Commission to discuss the implications of decriminalizing personal amounts of marijuana in the Commonwealth.
Under the proposed plan, individuals found in possession of their private reserves (less than half an ounce) would face a civil fine rather than misdemeanor charges.
Virginia’s current marijuana law classifies individuals caught with less than 14 grams as having committed a misdemeanor offense. Those cited for “possession for personal use” face 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. And proving that recidivism doesn’t pay, a “second or subsequent offense” for the same amount is punishable by a $2,500 fine and up to 12 months of incarceration.
Current penalty: 30 days and a $500 fine for a half-ounce of marijuana
Held in Richmond, VA, the public hearing before the state crime commission will occur today between 1 and 6 p.m. Individuals who wish to have their voices heard at today’s meeting will each have three minutes to make their public comments on the topic.
Ralph Northam (D), Virginia’s current lieutenant governor, identified decriminalizing marijuana as a core issue for…
