Virginia Governor Signs Legislation That Decriminalizes Marijuana

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has taken final action on two identical bills that decriminalize simple possession of Marijuana. The Governor signed Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 972 that were sent back to his desk at its April 22 reconvened session. The new legislation will now provide a civil penalty of nor more than 25 dollars. Current law imposes a maximum fine of 500 dollars and a maximum 30 day jail sentence for a first time offense. Other subsequent offenses are a class 1 misdemeanor.