Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation in May that decriminalizes simple marijuana possession and prohibits employers from requiring applicants to disclose information related to past criminal charges for such possession. Effective July 1, 2020, HB 972 / SB 2 decriminalizes possession of up to one ounce of marijuana, punishable by a fine of no more than $25. In addition, the law provides that convictions for simple marijuana possession will not be reflected on a person’s criminal record and permits individuals whose simple marijuana possession charges are not pursued or otherwise dismissed, or who are acquitted of such charges, to file a petition requesting police and court records related to the charge be expunged. A work-study group must be organized to study the impact on the Commonwealth of legalizing the sale and personal use of marijuana in Virginia.
