Virginia is Decriminalizing Marijuana

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation to decriminalize marijuana possession. Virginia joins most of the United States and is no longer treating marijuana as a criminal offense.

The law provides that possession of low amounts of marijuana won’t be recorded in a person’s criminal history and that records of any charges or judgments won’t be reported to the state’s Central Criminal Records Exchange.

But if a violation happens while a person is driving, it will be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles and included on the individual’s driving record.

Under the new law, records relating to arrests, charges, and convictions for marijuana possession will be sealed “except in certain circumstances.” Employers and educational institutions will be prohibited from asking individuals to disclose such arrests, charges or convictions.