FYI Chesterfield: Virginia's New Marijuana Laws

Let’s be real – we’ve all done it.

We’ve all checked that little box, acknowledging we’ve read terms of service we’ve never opened, agreeing to legalese we’ve never looked at.

But, when it comes to Virginia’s new marijuana laws, the fine print is everything.

We’ve all seen the headlines announcing the legalization of marijuana in Virginia, but we all know the headline isn’t the whole story. Let’s take a closer look.

As of July 1, 2021, in Virginia, adults age 21 and up can legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana on their person in public.

BUT, consuming marijuana in public remains illegal, as does consuming marijuana while driving or being a passenger in a vehicle.

Adults age 21 and up can legally grow up to four plants per household — not per adult, per household.

BUT, those plants can’t be visible from a public way and cultivators must take steps to prevent people under age 21 from accessing them. AND, each plant must be tagged with the owner’s name, driver’s license or ID number and a note saying the marijuana being grown is for personal use.

Adults age 21 and up can legally give up to one ounce of marijuana to another person 21 or older.

BUT, you cannot receive money, gifts, etc., in exchange for the marijuana. AND, you can’t give or receive marijuana as a gift with another purchase.

We’re heading into new territory, but what isn’t new is our belief that most people — the vast majority of people, in fact — want to do the right thing. Most people want to understand and abide by the law. And when it comes to Virginia’s new marijuana laws, it comes down to reading the fine print.

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