RICHMOND, VA (LOOTPRESS)– New Virginia laws take effect starting Thursday, July 1, 2021. Featured new laws are abolishing the death penalty, banning balloon releases and allowing marijuana possession.
The Legalization of Marijuana
Virginia will become the first state in the South to legalize marijuana and abolish the death penalty.
While it is still illegal to sell drugs until 2024, a gifting process allows citizens to gift up to an ounce of marijuana to any adult over 21. Residents can not consume the drug in public or in a car as the driver or passenger.
Adults that are caught with more than an ounce but less than a pound are subject to a $25 fine. Anything over a pound can be charged with a felony, which is punishable between one and ten years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Residents are allowed to have up to four marijuana plants per household. Plants must be labeled with the grower’s name, driver’s license, and labeled, “for personal use only”. Adults caught with more than four plants face a $250 fine and a felony for more than 50 plants.
Another important side to the new law are sealing records. The law automatically seals past misdemeanor marijuana convictions. It also allows for petition process for adults with more serious convictions the chance to clear their record.
Abolishment of Capital Punishment
Virginia is the first southern state to end capital punishment. Life with parole is now the harshest punishment that can be handed down.
New Gun Laws
Guns will not be allowed within Capitol Square or in any building leased or owned by the Commonwealth. Anyone who violates them might face a Class 1 Misdemeanor which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
Banning Balloon Releases
Anyone over the age of 16 that releases balloons intentionally or discarding balloons can receive a fine up to $25 per balloon. Adults that direct a child under the age of 16 to release a balloon will receive the $25 fine.