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Bill

SB 145

Marijuana field test; testimony as to the results; consuming, etc., while in a motor vehicle.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan McDougle

Bill establishes evidentiary standards for marijuana field tests in court proceedings and regulates marijuana consumption in operating vehicles in Virginia.

Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (13-Y 0-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 145

Legislative bill overview

SB 145 addresses the admissibility of marijuana field test results as evidence in Virginia courts and establishes or clarifies regulations regarding marijuana consumption while operating a motor vehicle. The bill was introduced by Senator Ryan McDougle and referred to the Courts of Justice Committee, where it received bipartisan support before being continued to the next legislative session.

Why is this important

As marijuana legalization expands across the U.S., Virginia must establish reliable forensic standards and impaired driving protocols. This bill directly affects law enforcement's ability to prosecute drug-related offenses and protect public safety on roadways, while also determining what evidence courts can use in criminal proceedings—making it critical for both justice system operations and driver safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Field test reliability: Marijuana field tests have varying accuracy rates and may produce false positives, raising questions about whether results alone should be admissible without laboratory confirmation
  • Impaired driving standards: Unlike breath tests for alcohol, no universally accepted threshold exists for marijuana impairment; the bill must define enforceable standards that are scientifically defensible
  • Privacy and enforcement concerns: Defining "consuming while in a motor vehicle" requires clarification about passenger consumption, parked vehicles, and enforcement mechanisms that balance safety with civil liberties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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