Virginia legalized personal cannabis possession in 2021, but Virginia Code Section 4.1-1109 still prohibits public consumption. Richmond enforces the statute on sidewalks, parks, and the Canal Walk despite legal home use of up to one ounce.
Virginia SB 1406 (2021) legalized adult possession of up to one ounce of cannabis and home cultivation of up to four plants per household, but Virginia Code Section 4.1-1109 prohibits consumption in any public place, including sidewalks, parks, the Canal Walk, restaurants, and motor vehicles. Richmond Police enforce the public-use ban at venues, festivals on Brown's Island, and in Monroe Park near VCU. Retail recreational sales remain pending Virginia Cannabis Control Authority licensing, originally targeted for 2024 but delayed. Smoking cannabis where tobacco is prohibited under the Indoor Clean Air Act also violates state law.
Public marijuana use is a civil penalty for first offenses, escalating to Class 4 misdemeanor with possible $250 fine for repeat or aggravated cases under Virginia Code Section 4.1-1109.
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