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
Julie Simon Cakes Draws Attention of A-List Celebrities Like Kylie Jenner
Julie Simon, the founder of Julie Simon Cakes, joined Cheddar News to discuss her transformation from media executive to confectionary artist, building her company, the inspiration behind her designs, and why so many celebrities love buying her cakes. “I'm looking to create a sense of wonder, that feeling you had when you were a child and you're watching fireworks and you just thought, 'is this the grand finale?'” she said.
Brooklyn Decker Talks Final Emotional Episode of 'Grace and Frankie'
Brooklyn Decker joined Cheddar News to talk about the upcoming final episode of the comedy "Grace and Frankie" on Netflix. "So many tears. I knew it would be emotional. I was not expecting the level of sadness and longing and appreciation, and it was just so intense and beautiful," she said. "And we all hugged. We all broke COVID protocol.” The actor and model also spoke of her partnership with allergy medication ZYRTEC and American Forests ReLeaf program to help plant trees.
Need2Know: COVID Booster Updates, Ukraine, Third Sacramento Suspect Arrested
Catching you up on what you need to know on April 6, 2022, with updates on the FDA’s meeting to discuss a second COVID booster shot, more on the war in Ukraine, tornadoes on the Gulf coast, a third suspect arrested in connection to the mass shooting in California, Darwin’s lost notebooks mysteriously returned, and more.
Load More