After decriminalization, Virginia plans to legalize cannabis

The day after the implementation of the decriminalization of cannabis in Virginia, state deputies have announced that they are already working towards full legalization.

While their initiative is not expected to be ready until 2021, legislators have defined legalization as necessary in the fight for social and racial justice.

«The decriminalization of cannabis is an important step in mitigating racial disparities in the criminal justice system, but there is still much work to be done,» said House Majority Leader Charniele Herring. «While cannabis-related arrests across the country have decreased, arrests in Virginia have increased.»

The decriminalization of cannabis took effect last Wednesday in Virginia. The new law, voted this year, The new law abolishes criminal penalties for the possession of small quantities of cannabis. Having up to 1 ounce (28g) of cannabis on you is now punishable by a fine of 25$, with no jail time or criminal record.

Previously, Virginia punished simple possession of cannabis with up to 30 days in jail, a fine of 500 $ and a criminal record.

«This bill will prevent petty offenders from serving jail time for simple possession while we move toward legalization with a framework that addresses both public safety and racial equity in an emerging market,» said declared Charniele Herring on decriminalization.

The decriminalization text also contains a provision to study future legalization. Several state agencies are to meet, including «the Secretaries of Agriculture and Forestry, Finance, Health and Human Resources, Public Safety and Homeland Security», and convene an expert task force to study the issue. The panel's report is due in November.

A separate legislative body, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC), is also studying the effects of possible legalization following another resolution approved by lawmakers this year. Lawmakers said Thursday that JLARC's report, due in December, would explain the basis for future legalization, which is expected to be tabled in 2021.

«Elements of the JLARC study include a review of best practices from states such as Illinois that have developed a legal framework, recommendations for testing and labeling, and measures to reduce illicit sales,» according to a press release. «The study will also examine how best to provide redress and economic opportunity to communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition, and recommend programs and policies to reinvest in affected communities.»

Ebbin a declared that despite the significant step towards decriminalization, the State still had a long way to go.

«Today, Virginia takes an important first step in reducing the harm caused by the criminalization of cannabis,» he said in a statement. «Cannabis prohibition has failed, and the consequence of that failure has been felt massively by Virginians of color, but it is not over. It will only end when it is replaced by a regulated adult-use market that focuses on equity, reaching out to those who have been most impacted [by pohibition] by ensuring they can have a place in this new market. We look forward to doing the work necessary to succeed.»