Gov. Ralph Northam (D) signed the decrim bill (SB 2/ HB 972) into law in May, making Virginia the 27th state to decriminalize simple possession.
The decriminalization law also creates a work group to study legalization in Virginia and make recommendations by November 30, 2020. Last week, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus pledged to introduce legislation to legalize cannabis during a special session set for August, among other criminal justice and policing reforms.