Virginia Cannabis Control Authority clarifies law ahead of the ‘unofficial holiday'
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Cannabis is legal in the Commonwealth, though it is not as open as other states with legalization. Virginia has a few restrictions.
Like in all other states with legalization, you must be 21 years old or older to consume cannabis in Virginia. Adults can only have one ounce on their person. Virginian adults can carry cannabis in public, but they cannot consume it in public — that can only be done in a private setting, like your own home.
It is legal to share cannabis with others, though it cannot be exchanged for money, goods or services. Heavy punishments are in store for anyone caught driving under the influence of cannabis.
'It is very similar to drunk driving,' explained Jamie Patten, acting head of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. 'It impairs your reaction time. If you feel different under the influence of cannabis, then you drive different.'
Stoned drivers could face up to a year in jail or a fine of up to $2,500 — along with a $250 mandatory fine. You could also lose your license for up to a year.
'It's important to make sure that you are complying with all of the laws, that you plan for a sober ride and we really believe that if you use cannabis safely and legally, and you never drive under the influence, then we can keep all of our communities safe,' Patten said.
During the General Assembly earlier this year, lawmakers passed a bill to create a legal cannabis market in the Commonwealth, alongside sentencing reform. It was later vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Crash shuts down all lanes of I-35 southbound near 51st Street
AUSTIN (KXAN) — All southbound lanes of Interstate 35 in north Austin were shut down Saturday night due to a crash, according to the Austin Police Department. APD posted on X shortly after 10 p.m. that officers were responding to a crash in the 5400 block of I-35 southbound. That area is between 51st Street and U.S. Hwy 290. Drivers should avoid the area, expect delays, and take alternate routes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Curious Florida gator checks out deputy vehicle
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WFLA) — Charlotte County deputies got one of their vehicles checked out by an alligator on Friday, as he made sure the tread on their tires was road-ready. The gator was found at the intersection of Theresa Boulevard and Hillsborough Boulevard in Port Charlotte. After verifying the vehicle was safe to drive, the curious alligator continued on his way. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Police: Two steers loose in Cumberland County
(WHTM) — Two steers are on the loose in a Cumberland County community and police are looking for them. The Silver Spring Township Police Department said they were last seen near the Conodoguinet Creek near Foxanna Drive. They are black in color and weigh about 700 pounds, police said. Download the abc27 News+ app on your Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV devices If seen, do not approach them. Instead, call Silver Spring Township Police at 717-238-9676. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
