Editor's Note: If this bill passes, decriminalization would begin its creep into the South–no Southern state has yet passed decriminalization laws. Â
A Virginia bill introduced for the 2015 legislative session will reduce the criminal penalties for cannabis possession and make possession of small amounts of the plant a civil infraction punishable by a small fine.
Senate Bill 686 (SB686) will drastically alter established law enforcement priorities in the state of Virginia if it's passed into law. Its primary author is Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-District 30) with Del. Kaye Kory (D-District 38) listed as a supporter of the legislation.
This bill aims to relax the state-level restrictions against cannabis in a variety of ways. SB686 eliminates any criminal prosecution and the possibility of jail time for possessing a small amount of the plant, and reduces the fine from $500 to $100.
