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."

Share:
More In Culture
How to Save on Holiday Decorations
As people start decorating for the holiday season, it can get a bit pricey with expenses getting in the way. Jen Anderson of Metropolitan Farm spoke with Janice Lieberman about how you can save on those decorations.
Artists Praised in Kennedy Center Honors
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden attended the Kennedy Center's annual honors gala. The 2023 honorees included the Bee Gees' Barry Gibb, comedian and actor Billy Crystal, opera singer Renee Fleming, rapper and actress Queen Latifah, and singer Dion Warwick.
New Music Friday
It won't be Friday without some new music to listen to this weekend.
Load More