virginia cannabis decriminalization Archives

71% of Virginia Voters Support Decriminalizing Cannabis According to New Poll

January 27, 2015

A large majority of Virginia voters support their state removing criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of cannabis, and a majority also support legalizing cannabis for medical use. This is according to a new Christopher Newport University poll released today.

According to the survey, 71% of voters in Virginia support decriminalizing “the possession of small amounts of marijuana by replacing the possibility of a criminal record and jail time with a civil fine”. Only 26% oppose the move.

The poll also found that 69% of voters support legalizing cannabis for medical use, with just 29% opposed.

Virginia Poll: 74% of Voters Support Medical Cannabis, 60% Support Decriminalizing Cannabis

January 6, 2015

A new poll conducted by Public Policy Polling has found that a strong majority of Virginia voters support both legalizing medical cannabis, and decriminalizing cannabis possession.

According to the poll – commissioned by the Marijuana Policy Project – 74% of voters in Virginia support “changing the law in Virginia to allow seriously and terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana” if their doctor recommends it. The poll found only 21% of voters to be opposed to such a move.

Proposal to Decriminalize Cannabis Filed in Virginia’s Senate

November 12, 2014November 12, 2014

Virginia State Senator Adam Ebbin has filed a proposal to decriminalize cannabis.

Senate Bill 686 would remove criminal penalties for the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis, making it a simple $100 ticket rather than an arrestable misdemeanor.

The proposal, which will be considered by the state’s Senate once the Legislature reconvenes in January, would also reduce the criminal penalties for cannabis distribution (and intent to distribute), would create a legal defense for a person cultivating up to six plants for personal use, and would change the state’s paraphernalia laws so that they only apply to an adult who distributes to a minor at least three years his junior.