In just a few days, Virginia’s newly elected Democratic Assembly will be gavelling in for the first time, and hundreds of bills have already been filed -- including a bill to decriminalize marijuana possession.

The bill would reduce the maximum penalty for possession of up to an ounce of cannabis to a civil fine of $50.

In the past, Republican leadership has blocked bills to decriminalize marijuana from coming for a full vote -- but with Democrats in control of both chambers of Virginia’s General Assembly, marijuana reform bills have a good chance of passing this year.

Elaine wants to hear from you before Virginia’s legislative session begins: Can you take a moment to share your thoughts on decriminalizing marijuana?

Twenty-six states have already decriminalized marijuana or eliminated the possibility of jail time for possession. While decriminalization is a critical step in the right direction, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance by the federal government.

From veterans managing their PTSD to cancer patients subduing the painful side effects of chemotherapy -- millions of Americans are being denied a potentially life-changing treatment due to outdated marijuana laws.

That’s why Elaine is working with Congress to deschedule marijuana so patients aren’t denied the critical care they need. We want to hear what you think: Do you support legalizing marijuana at the federal level?

-- Team Elaine