What you do in Denver better stay in Denver!
Since 1996, 20 states and Washington, DC have passed laws that allow marijuana for some medical conditions. [1] In 2012, Colorado and Washington legalized marijuana for adults 21 and older under state law. So, are you wondering if bringing home some of that Mary Jane that you legally purchased and consumed in Denver on vacation could result in you being charged and prosecuted for possession of marijuana in Virginia? Lawyers, with a gleam in their eyes, love to say that the law is grey. This, however, is not a hazy area of the law in Virginia. It is illegal to possess and consume marijuana in Virginia, even if you legally purchased it in another state. In addition, marijuana is illegal pursuant to federal law.
It also may be useful to also know that if you smoke pot in Denver, you shouldn’t brag about it when you get home. An admission that you consumed pot is what prosecutors like to call a confession. While you cannot be convicted of a criminal offense solely on your confession, if a police officer happens to find marijuana residue on a bong in your suitcase, you may find yourself looking at potential jail time. There is no haziness on marijuana laws in Virginia, so make sure what you do in Denver stays in Denver.
[1] The White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy – http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/state-laws-related-to-marijuana
[1] The White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy – http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/state-laws-related-to-marijuana
