50 signatures reached
To: Virginia General Assembly
Release and Review Old Marijuana Convictions
Although marijuana is now legal to possess and the Commonwealth is preparing to profit from retail sales, many Virginians remain behind bars for marijuana-related offenses. This injustice must end. The Marijuana Resentencing Bill provides a fair and measured process to review sentences imposed under outdated laws.
This legislation allows individuals incarcerated and on probation for marijuana-related offenses to have their sentences reconsidered in light of the law’s updated status. The legislation also gives a timeline to complete the initial reviews and schedule formal hearings.
Sign this petition to tell Virginia’s legislators to pass the Marijuana Resentencing Bill and bring justice into alignment with reality. We must bring repair if the state wants revenue!
Why is this important?
- There are approximately 300 people incarcerated with marijuana-related offenses that are no longer illegal, and if so, are just a ticketable offense.
- According to the Virginia Department of Corrections, it costs taxpayers nearly $34,000 per year to incarcerate one individual. Continuing to imprison people for nonviolent marijuana activity wastes public funds and undermines the integrity of our justice system.
- The authority and guidelines given in this bill will ensure fairness, order, and judicial oversight at every step, as well as a timeline to accomplish this goal.