Politician Info
A+ Mark Herring (D - VA) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE DECRIMINALIZE MEDICAL USE

Virginia NORML has endorsed Attorney General Herring.

Attorney General Herring has been an outspoken advocate for marijuana decriminalization, records expungements, and adult-use legalization.

 

Position on Marijuana Legalization

“Two years ago, nobody was talking about legalizing marijuana, but I knew it was the largest on ramp into the criminal justice system for Black Virginians. And it had to stop,” Herring said. “So I called for the legalization of possession of marijuana, and started to build the momentum. And now we're there.” 5/5/2021

“Today is such an important day on the Commonwealth’s journey to becoming a more equitable place for all Virginians,” said Attorney General Herring.  “I have been calling for reforming Virginia’s marijuana laws and addressing past convictions and to see how closely Virginia has come to reaching my goals in such a short amount of time is remarkable. For too long, the Commonwealth’s cannabis policies have disproportionately affected Black Virginians and Virginians of color, saddling them with convictions that could potentially hold them back for the rest of their lives.

“I’m incredibly proud to have played a role in changing Virginia’s archaic and discriminatory marijuana laws and I want to thank my legislative partners, especially House Majority Leader Charniele Herring and Senator Adam Ebbin, as well as the strong advocates, who helped to make our goals a reality in the Commonwealth.” 4/21/21

“I don’t believe that Virginia’s current approach of criminalizing cannabis is working,” Attorney General Herring said in opening remarks kicking off the summit. “It is needlessly creating criminals and burdening Virginians with convictions. The human and social costs are enormous, in addition to the millions of dollars it costs Virginia taxpayers. And the negative consequences of the current approach fall disproportionately on African Americans and people of color. It’s clear to me that the time for cannabis reform has come. Justice demands it. Virginians are demanding it. And I’m going to help make sure we get this right.” 12/11/19

“We have a real opportunity now to bring equitable cannabis legalization to the Commonwealth and we have all the tools and information at our disposal to make sure that we come up with the best plan for Virginia that meets our public safety and equity goals,” said Herring. “My office can bring a unique perspective and play an integral role in helping with this process through our focus on consumer protection, acting as counsel for state agencies, and our experiences with criminal justice reforms to make sure that we come up with a suitable plan. I look forward to working with Virginia NORML and our other partners in the House, the Senate and other advocacy groups as we move Virginia ever closer on our path towards legalization.” 11/19/19

Position on Marijuana Decriminalization

“Criminalization of marijuana possession is not working for Virginia,” he said at a gathering with reporters Saturday. “We are needlessly creating criminals and getting a lot of convictions. . . . And this whole system — the weight of it — falls disproportionately on African Americans and people of color. There is a better, smarter way to approach cannabis, and it starts with decriminalizing simple possession of small amounts, addressing past convictions and moving thoughtfully toward legal and regulated adult use.” 6/17/19

Co-sponsored Legislation

Attorney General Herring played an integral role in the drafting and passage of both the 2020 decriminalization legislation and 2021 legalization legislation. 

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