With a new Democratic majority in the state legislature, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring is hoping to make major reforms to the state's cannabis laws.
Herring, who is hosting a cannabis summit on December 11, told Cheddar on Tuesday he is bringing together legislators and experts in an effort to push forward his calls for reform.
"I'm really encouraged about the prospect of actually passing decriminalization in Virginia and the prospect of actually passing a plan to move to legal and regulated adult use," he said.
Herring is hopeful that by providing lawmakers a space to ask questions and address concerns with experts, as well as individuals from states that have already legalized or decriminalized marijuana use, his state can move towards passing new legislation.
Marijuana arrests in Virginia hit a 20-year high in 2018, and enforcement costs the state more than $80 million annually, Herring said.
"In Virginia, an arrest and a criminal conviction stays with you your whole life … That's not fair," he said, noting the disproportionate number of black Virginians arrested for marijuana possession.
But he says he is confident Virginia can move forward "in a historic way."
From MTV's hottest artists to Barbie in the Middle East, here's what's happening in entertainment.
AMC said its current quarter is off to a strong start thanks to the blockbuster hits, 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer.'
Tuesday's Mega Millions drawing ranks as the third-largest jackpot in U.S. history.
A thief in San Diego broke into someone's garage to take a bike and stopped to pet the household's dog.
TikTok is holding a global music competition called "Give Me The Mic."
Summer is nearing an end with back-to-school season around the corner. Smart shopping expert Trae Bodge spoke with Cheddar News about what to know before making a shopping list to cover for supplies.
From Beyoncé making sure her fans got home safely to a hot new amusement park, here's what's happening in entertainment.
One Good Thing: Baby Who Survived Syria Earthquake is Six Months Old
Tou Thao, the last former Minneapolis police officer convicted in state court for his role in the killing of George Floyd, was sentenced Monday to 4 years and 9 months — even as he denied wrongdoing.
Cheddar News checked in from Staten Island to learn more about the Lenape people and how they lived before the Dutch settled in. Luke G. Boyd, director of education and public programs of Historic Richmond Town, discussed their story and showed their typical dwellings.
