Former U.S. attorney weighs in on Lynchburg Council's secondhand marijuana smoke proposal

OG article by Tony Lange

October 30 2025

Lynchburg City Council approved a legislative agenda pushing Virginia to penalize adults smoking marijuana around children in enclosed spaces (e.g., cars, homes), upgrading from civil penalty to Class 1 misdemeanor ($2,500 fine, up to 1 year jail) and adding child abuse/neglect charges. Former U.S. Attorney John Fishwick supports it, noting it aligns with existing bans (e.g., driving while impaired) and could mirror strengthened cigarette laws. School board member Letitia Lowery reported teachers observing lethargic students possibly affected by secondhand exposure. Current VA law already bans open cannabis in vehicles and public cultivation visibility.