Virginia on the road to decriminalizing cannabis

Decriminalizing cannabis is top of the 2020 agenda for Virginia's Democratic governor, Ralph Northam.

When the legislative session starts next week, I'll be pushing to combat mass incarceration, reform parole, decriminalize marijuana, and expand supports for returning citizens. Let's pass real criminal justice reform in 2020. https://t.co/bu8XxtAgwR

- Governor Ralph Northam (@VAGovernor73) January 3, 2020

In his list of priorities, the governor has in fact placed the decriminalisation of cannabis. It intends to make simple possession punishable by a 50$ fine with no possibility of prison, although the plan does not specify the quantity of cannabis that would determine the threshold between simple possession and heavier penalties.

The proposal also includes a provision for amnesty for people previously convicted of cannabis possession.

«All Virginians deserve access to a fair and equitable criminal justice system,» Northam said in a press release. «The criminal justice reform bill and budget initiatives will combat mass incarceration, increase support for citizens and ensure a meaningful second chance for those who have paid their debts to society.»

«t is a bold step toward a more just and inclusive state, and I look forward to working with the General Assembly to pass these measures,» said the governor, who previously campaigned for decriminalization in 2017.

A decriminalization bill was introduced last November in Virginia, although it's unclear whether the governor supports this initiative or wants to pass another bill.

Attorney General Mark Herring (D), who is running for governor in 2021, has been clear in his support for the project and declared that it is «clear to me that the time for cannabis reform has arrived.»

It's time for Virginia to decriminalize, address past convictions, and move toward legal, regulated adult use.https://t.co/aqWxQCVPIg

- Mark Herring (@MarkHerringVA) November 20, 2019

The governor told a press conference that Virginia had not yet reached the point of legalizing cannabis for adults, but noted that decriminalization «is a step.».

A proposal for legalization has nevertheless already filed for the 2020 legislative session. It would allow any adult over 21 to possess and purchase cannabis from licensed retailers, with a 10% tax whose revenues would go to a veterans' fund, transportation and local municipalities that license cannabis businesses.