This bill proposes to amend the Code of West Virginia by changing the legal status of simple possession of marijuana, specifically for amounts less than 15 grams. Under the new provisions, possession of this quantity will be classified as a civil violation rather than a misdemeanor crime. The bill stipulates that individuals found in violation will be subject to a civil penalty of no more than $25, effectively reducing the legal consequences associated with minor marijuana possession.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that addresses first offenses for possession of certain synthetic cannabinoids and other specified substances, which will also be handled under the existing legal framework for civil violations. The language that previously classified possession of less than 15 grams of marijuana as a misdemeanor is deleted, reflecting the shift towards treating this offense as a civil matter. Overall, the bill aims to decriminalize minor marijuana possession, aligning penalties with a more lenient approach.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 60A-4-401