What are the Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Virginia?
September 26, 2020 by Jean Humbrecht
What are the Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Virginia?
Possession of marijuana in Virginia is no longer a crime. It used to be a misdemeanor, punished with possible jail time, a fine, mandatory driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. However, the law regarding the penalties for marijuana possession in Virginia changed in July 2020. It is, however, still against the law. If you are wondering, what are the penalties for marijuana possession in Virginia, read the post below.
Is Marijuana Possession in Virginia Still Against the Law?
Yes, it is still against the law to possess marijuana in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-250.1) unless the person obtained the marijuana pursuant to a valid prescription or order of a practitioner while acting in the course of his professional practice.
However, a violation of this law will not be a criminal offense.
What are the Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Virginia?
The penalties for possession of marijuana in Virginia are no longer criminal. The offense will only be punished as a civil penalty, with a fine as high as $25. There will not be any court costs after a conviction, and a conviction will not go on a person’s criminal record.
However, if a person is convicted of possession of marijuana in Virginia while operating a commercial motor vehicle, the offense will be reported to the Virginia DMV and will be included on the person’s driving record.