In his veto message, the Governor wrote: “The language in the bill makes substantial policy changes to the medical marijuana program that were not fully scrutinized through normal legislative procedures before the bill was received by my office in the middle of the night Saturday. While there is much room for improvement in the way our state’s program operates, this bill does not address those items in a way I can support.”
Category: decriminalization
Virginia: Marijuana Decriminalization Takes Effect July 1
Democratic Governor Ralph Northam officially signed legislation today decriminalizing marijuana possession. The new law takes effect July 1, 2020 and reduces penalties for offenses involving the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a civil violation – punishable by a maximum $25 fine, no arrest, and no criminal record.
Virginia: Governor Approves Bills to Decriminalize Marijuana and Legalize Medical Cannabis
Gov Northam has approved legislation to decriminalize marijuana possession offenses and provide explicit legal protection to the state’s medical cannabis program participants. The new laws will take effect July 1, 2020.
Maryland: Lawmakers Advance Decriminalization Expansion Measure
“Minor marijuana possession offenders, many of them young people, should not be saddled with a criminal record and the lifelong penalties and stigma associated with it.”
Virginia: Legislature Approves Decriminalization and Medical Cannabis Bills
Both chambers voted to decriminalize marijuana, legalize medical cannabis, and study a regulatory framework for adult-use
New Hampshire: House Lawmakers Approve Bill Allowing Personal Possession of Marijuana
The measure legalizes the possession of up to 3/4 of an ounce of marijuana by those age 21 or older. It also allows for adults to home cultivate up to three mature marijuana pants and/or to possess up to five grams of hashish, and up to 300mg of cannabis-infused products.
Virginia: Both Chambers Pass Decriminalization Legislation
“Long overdue progress is finally being made in the General Assembly thanks to many years of dedicated advocacy by Virginia NORML members.”
Virginia: Legislative Effort Reducing Marijuana Possession Penalties Advances
“[This vote] marks the first time the House Courts of Justice Committee has approved a decriminalization bill.”
Pennsylvania: Marijuana possession arrests decline statewide
In 2018 there were nearly 24,000 adults arrested for less than 30 grams of cannabis. The new data shows 19,990 adults arrested for the same offense in 2019.
Hawaii: Minor Marijuana Possession Offenses to be Decriminalized Next Week
Legislation takes effect on Saturday, January 11, decriminalizing minor marijuana possession offenses.