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The Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee voted 11-2 Jan. 29 to approve a cannabis decriminalization proposal, according to a local ABC News report.
S.B. 2 would decriminalize the possession of cannabis flower and oil by imposing a civil penalty of no more than $50. Under current law, those convicted of cannabis possession could receive a maximum fine of $500 and a maximum 30-day sentence for the first offense, according to a WTVR report.
The legislation would also raise the threshold for cannabis distribution offenses from one-half ounce to an ounce, and allows those with previous convictions to petition for expungement, according to the news outlet.
The legislation now goes to the Senate Finance Committee, according to ABC News.
