The Virginia legislature passed a bill Sunday to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Governor Ralph Northam is expected to sign the bill into law.
HB 972 changes the penalty for simple possession of marijuana. Under current law, individuals who are found to possess marijuana face a maximum fine of $500 and up to 30 days in jail. If the bill goes into law, violators will only be subject to a $25 civil penalty. Additionally, HB 972 states that possessors will not have violations reflected in their criminal history.
