John,

In May, Virginia Democrats passed a historic measure to decriminalize marijuana -- reducing the maximum penalty for possession of up to an ounce of cannabis to a civil fine of just $25.

The legislature also approved a commission to study how our state should go about legalizing and regulating marijuana -- and now, Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy announced that she plans to introduce a bill in the upcoming special session to legalize simple possession of marijuana.

Under the bill, it would still be against the law for children to use and sell marijuana, as well as driving under the influence of marijuana and being intoxicated in public.

Elaine wants to hear your thoughts on this new development: Do you support the legalization of marijuana in Virginia?

Millions of Americans and veterans could benefit from being able to access marijuana as one of the only forms of treatment helpful for a range of conditions from PTSD to anxiety, depression, and painful symptoms caused by chemotherapy.

The bill would also take necessary action to combat clear racial disparities in our legal system -- a 2020 ACLU report found that while Black and white Americans use marijuana at similar rates, Black Americans are over 3 times as likely to be arrested for possession.

We want to hear what you think: Is it time to legalize marijuana?

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this important topic.

-- Team Elaine