Virginia lawmakers who led the fight to legalize recreational marijuana sales are seeking to clarify that the legislation they passed last month did not inadvertently erase all of the state’s cannabis-related penalties as police and prosecutors scramble to understand the impact of the bill’s various enactment provisions.
Lt. Brandy A. Molinar of the Virginia State Police sent an internal email to law enforcement colleagues this week saying that “as of July 1, 2026, there are no Code of Virginia violations related to marijuana” and directing that any cannabis-related enforcement actions taken since the start of the month be reported to her.
The message, first reported by Virginia Scope, said that state officials could coordinate with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on any cases involving more than five pounds of marijuana.
Del. Wren M. Williams (R), who voted against legalization legislation this session, noted the police email in several social media posts, criticizing Democratic majorities in the Senate and House of Delegates and Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) for allegedly “creating a one-year gap before new laws take effect.”
Democrats may have legalized marijuana via the budget, creating a one-year gap before new laws take effect. Virginia State Police
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