Richmond, VA: Broad changes to marijuana laws swept through the 2020 Virginia General Assembly. Today, the legislature approved SB2 and HB 972 to decriminalize marijuana possession. Those in possession of up to one ounce of cannabis for personal use will no longer be subject to criminal prosecution and will instead face a maximum $25 civil penalty. The bipartisan, bicameral effort led by Senator Adam Ebbin (D-30) and House Majority Leader Delegate Charniele Herring (D-46), also allows for the sealing of records for misdemeanor arrests, charges, convictions, and deferred dispositions for marijuana possession from employers and schools, and redefines extractions previously considered hashish as marijuana. The legislation now heads to Governor Ralph Northam’s desk for approval.

Big wins!

This week, both the House of Delegates and the Senate voted in favor of decriminalizing personal possession of marijuana, and the Senate voted unanimously to legalize participation in Virginia’s medical cannabis program. Long overdue progress is finally being made in the General Assembly thanks to many years of dedicated advocacy by Virginia NORML and its members.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, 30 September 2019

Richmond, VA: A University of Mary Washington survey shows 61 percent of Virginians favor legalizing the adult use of marijuana. Virginia attitudes, like American attitudes, are increasingly supportive of ending the failed policy of marijuana prohibition and replacing it with a legal marketplace in which products can be safely regulated for responsible consumers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, 25 July 2019

Richmond, Va — Three new laws intended to expand patient access to and the therapeutic value of Virginia’s medical cannabis program take effect July 1, 2019. 

When Charlottesville’s chief of police, Commonwealth’s Attorney, and two City Councilors were all asked if they support a policy of “fines not crimes” for personal possession of small amounts of marijuana by adults, the response was unanimous.

They all agree: it’s time for decriminalization in the Commonwealth.

Virginia NORML and its Charlottesville chapter will host a Marijuana Policy Town Hall this Wednesday, April 24, at 6pm in CitySpace on the downtown mall. 

“We’re going to the State Supreme Court,” Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Greg Underwood told a crowd of 50 assembled at Virginia NORML’s Marijuana Town Hall at O’Connor Brewing Co. Wednesday night. “We’re filing tomorrow.”

Judges in Norfolk have blocked Underwood’s policy of dismissing simple marijuana possession charges. Underwood is taking the case to the next level -- where statewide policy could be made.

“If I’m the elected Commonwealth’s Attorney and I see a segment of the community that‘s being treated differently by the criminal justice system, am I supposed to to stand by and let it happen?” Underwood rhetorically asked the crowd. “I’m not going to go along with it.”

You might already have 4/20 marked on your calendar. Now, you have an excuse to head out that day and celebrate with hundreds of your fellow supporters of marijuana law reform.

Virginia NORML is once again partnering with O’Connor Brewing Co. in Norfolk to bring you the Legalize Virginia 420 Festival, taking place on 4/20 from 12pm to 10pm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Richmond, Va - Senator Siobhan Dunnavant's SB1557 to clarify and improve the regulation of pharmaceutical processors is heading to the governor's desk after unanimously passing its final vote in the Senate.