Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed SB 62, "Modification of sentence for marijuana-related offenses," on May 14, 2026, RVAMag reported. It sets up a court review of certain sentences for felony marijuana offenses committed before July 1, 2021, covering people incarcerated or on active supervision as of July 1, 2026.
Covered offenses include possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, transportation and conspiracy; convictions are not automatically erased. Judges review case by case, and the Department of Corrections is expected to help identify and notify eligible people. Hearings are expected from January 1, 2027, and the bill sunsets in 2029. Advocate Chelsea Higgs Wise says more than 1,200 Virginians could be affected.
Why it matters: It is one of the few laws we found that sets up review of existing cannabis sentences, and it reaches people still in prison or on supervision.
Source: RVAMag, 2026-05-14. Forgotten Prisoner's account is based on this reporting.