Virginia just decriminalized MJ. Here’s what that means

The new law scraps criminal charges for simple possession of marijuana and creates a $25 civil penalty. It also creates a work group to study the impact of cannabis legalization and eventually release a report on the matter.

Supporters have argued the measure is needed in part because African Americans are disproportionately charged with drug crimes.

“Decriminalization is an incredibly important first step, and one that many thought we may never see in Virginia, but we cannot stop until we have legal and regulated adult use,”

Attorney General Herring advocated for the passage of full legalization, but a measure to legalize marijuana failed to garner enough support in the state legislature earlier this yearHerring said in a statement.