Senate Bill 219, introduced by State Senator Mike Woelfel (D), would decriminalize possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana. The bill has been referred to the Senate Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Committee. If it is advanced, it will be considered by the Judiciary Committee before being presented to the full Senate.
Individuals found with 15 grams or less of marijuana would no longer face criminal charges, according to the bill. Instead, possession would be treated as a civil offense, punishable by a fine rather than jail time. Simple possession is currently considered a misdemeanor in West Virginia, with penalties ranging from six months in jail to a $1,000 fine.
Senator Woelfel has long advocated for marijuana reform, having previously supported efforts to increase access to medical marijuana.
