Cannabis is gradually but steadily gaining legalization and recognition around the United States of America. Many states are legalizing the drug, while others are still hesitant due to various detrimental reasons.
Reports emerged on March 8 that the possession of small amounts of cannabis will no longer be a crime that could be punishable by jail time in the state of Virginia. This decision was made under the decriminalization legislation that the lawmakers sent to Governor Ralph Northam on March 8.
Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria is the person who carried the legislation in the Senate. He said:
“This means close to 30,000 people a year will no longer be labelled as criminals and no longer will suffer the negative repercussions of a criminal conviction.”
Resembles a traffic ticket
Under this legislation that the lawmakers passed, the drug will remain illegal. However, violations of the law will be categorized as minor traffic violations. This bill sets a $25 civil fine for anyone caught in possession of an ounce of the marijuana plant. Also, the penalty is applicable for anyone found with the products that are derived from it. Hash and oil concentrates are also considered as illegal.
This legislation further seals records of past and future convictions and bans employers and educational institutes from inquiring about violations except for the law enforcement agencies. For now, the possession of a half-ounce or less is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
On the other hand, the possession of hash and other concentrates is punished as a felony. Although hefty fines and driver’s license suspensions are more common practices than jail time, a July 2017 count discovered that 127 people were being held in jail just on a marijuana charge as reported by a State Crime Commission publication.
This decriminalization bill got bipartisan support in both chambers passing the Senate on a 27-12 vote and the House 56-36. If Governor Ralph Northam, who earlier on endorsed an iteration of the legislation, agrees to the final bill, it will go into effect on July 1. That will make Virginia the 26th state to decriminalize marijuana or legalize its recreational adult use.
