{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/18.2-250.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/18.2-250.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/18.2-250.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/18.2-250.html"}],"law_id":58255,"edition_id":1,"section_id":58255,"structure_id":13207,"section_number":"18.2-250","catch_line":"Possession of controlled substances unlawful","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 54-524.101:2; 1972, c. 798; 1973, c. 64; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 614; 1978, cc. 151, 177, 179; 1979, c. 435; 1980, c. 285; 1991, c. 649; 1998, c. 116; 2014, cc. 674, 719.","full_text":"A\n\nIt is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a controlled substance unless the substance was obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription or order of a practitioner while acting in the course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by the Drug Control Act (\u00a7 54.1-3400 et seq.).\n\t\t\tUpon the prosecution of a person for a violation of this section, ownership or occupancy of premises or vehicle upon or in which a controlled substance was found shall not create a presumption that such person either knowingly or intentionally possessed such controlled substance.a\n\nAny person who violates this section with respect to any controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II of the Drug Control Act shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony, except that any person other than an inmate of a penal institution as defined in § 53.1-1 or in the custody of an employee thereof who violates this section with respect to a cannabimimetic agent is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.b\n\nAny person other than an inmate of a penal institution as defined in \u00a7 53.1-1 or in the custody of an employee thereof, who violates this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule III shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.b1\n\nViolation of this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule IV shall be punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor.b2\n\nViolation of this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule V shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.c\n\nViolation of this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule VI shall be punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor.B\n\nThe provisions of this section shall not apply to members of state, federal, county, city or town law-enforcement agencies, jail officers, or correctional officers, as defined in § 53.1-1, certified as handlers of dogs trained in the detection of controlled substances when possession of a controlled substance or substances is necessary in the performance of their duties.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":213440,"text":"It is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a controlled substance unless the substance was obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription or order of a practitioner while acting in the course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by the Drug Control Act (\u00a7 54.1-3400 et seq.).\n\t\t\tUpon the prosecution of a person for a violation of this section, ownership or occupancy of premises or vehicle upon or in which a controlled substance was found shall not create a presumption that such person either knowingly or intentionally possessed such controlled substance.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"Aa"},"1":{"id":213441,"text":"Any person who violates this section with respect to any controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II of the Drug Control Act shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony, except that any person other than an inmate of a penal institution as defined in § 53.1-1 or in the custody of an employee thereof who violates this section with respect to a cannabimimetic agent is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","a"],"prefix":"a","entire_prefix":"Aa","prefix_anchor":"Aa","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"Ab"},"2":{"id":213442,"text":"Any person other than an inmate of a penal institution as defined in \u00a7 53.1-1 or in the custody of an employee thereof, who violates this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule III shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","b"],"prefix":"b","entire_prefix":"Ab","prefix_anchor":"Ab","level":2,"prior_prefix":"Aa","next_prefix":"Abb1"},"3":{"id":213443,"text":"Violation of this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule IV shall be punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","b","b1"],"prefix":"b1","entire_prefix":"Abb1","prefix_anchor":"Abb1","level":3,"prior_prefix":"Ab","next_prefix":"Abb2"},"4":{"id":213444,"text":"Violation of this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule V shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","b","b2"],"prefix":"b2","entire_prefix":"Abb2","prefix_anchor":"Abb2","level":3,"prior_prefix":"Abb1","next_prefix":"Ac"},"5":{"id":213445,"text":"Violation of this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule VI shall be punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","c"],"prefix":"c","entire_prefix":"Ac","prefix_anchor":"Ac","level":2,"prior_prefix":"Abb2","next_prefix":"B"},"6":{"id":213446,"text":"The provisions of this section shall not apply to members of state, federal, county, city or town law-enforcement agencies, jail officers, or correctional officers, as defined in § 53.1-1, certified as handlers of dogs trained in the detection of controlled substances when possession of a controlled substance or substances is necessary in the performance of their duties.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"Ac"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13207,"edition_id":1,"name":"Drugs","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12973,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:27","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:27","permalink":{"id":166503,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13207,"identifier":"1","token":"18.2\/7\/1","url":"\/18.2\/7\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12973,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes Involving Health and Safety","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12972,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:05","permalink":{"id":166501,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12973,"identifier":"7","token":"18.2\/7","url":"\/18.2\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12972,"edition_id":1,"name":"Crimes and Offenses 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The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 10 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1972, chapter 798; in 1973, chapter 64; in 1975, chapters 14 and 15; in 1976, chapter 614; in 1978, chapters 151, 177, and 179; in 1979, chapter 435; in 1980, chapter 285; in 1991, chapter 649; in 1998, chapter 116<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 674<\/a> and 719<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":74546,"section_number":"16.1-278.9","catch_line":"Delinquent children; loss of driving privileges for alcohol, firearm, and drug offenses; truancy","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-278.9\/"},{"id":68547,"section_number":"18.2-251","catch_line":"Persons charged with first offense may be placed on probation; conditions; substance abuse screening, assessment treatment and education programs or services; drug tests; costs and fees; violations; discharge","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-251\/"},{"id":71520,"section_number":"18.2-251.03","catch_line":"Arrest and prosecution when experiencing or reporting an overdose or act of sexual violence","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-251.03\/"},{"id":67911,"section_number":"18.2-251.1","catch_line":"Possession or distribution of marijuana for medical purposes permitted","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-251.1\/"},{"id":58050,"section_number":"18.2-251.1:1","catch_line":"Possession or distribution of cannabis oil; public schools","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-251.1_1\/"},{"id":56326,"section_number":"18.2-251.1:2","catch_line":"Possession or distribution of cannabis oil; nursing homes and certified nursing facilities; hospice and hospice facilities; assisted living facilities","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-251.1_2\/"},{"id":57833,"section_number":"18.2-251.1:3","catch_line":"Possession or distribution of cannabis oil, or industrial hemp; laboratories; Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Law employees","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-251.1_3\/"},{"id":60795,"section_number":"18.2-251.2","catch_line":"Possession and distribution of flunitrazepam; enhanced penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-251.2\/"},{"id":66125,"section_number":"18.2-308.1:5","catch_line":"Purchase or transportation of firearm by persons convicted of certain drug offenses prohibited","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-308.1_5\/"},{"id":66815,"section_number":"18.2-36.3","catch_line":"Involuntary manslaughter; certain drug offenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-36.3\/"},{"id":58970,"section_number":"19.2-327.15","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-327.15\/"},{"id":61280,"section_number":"19.2-392.02","catch_line":"National criminal background checks by businesses and organizations regarding employees or volunteers providing care to children or the elderly or disabled","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-392.02\/"},{"id":74660,"section_number":"19.2-392.12","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Sealing of offenses resulting in a deferred and dismissed disposition or conviction by petition","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-392.12\/"},{"id":61344,"section_number":"3.2-4113","catch_line":"Production of industrial hemp lawful","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-4113\/"},{"id":73569,"section_number":"32.1-45.4","catch_line":"Comprehensive harm reduction programs","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-45.4\/"},{"id":75182,"section_number":"37.2-314","catch_line":"Background check required","order_by":null,"url":"\/37.2-314\/"},{"id":67357,"section_number":"37.2-416.1","catch_line":"Background checks required; adult substance abuse and mental health services","order_by":null,"url":"\/37.2-416.1\/"},{"id":61726,"section_number":"37.2-506.1","catch_line":"Background checks required; adult substance abuse and mental health services","order_by":null,"url":"\/37.2-506.1\/"},{"id":55273,"section_number":"4.1-1604","catch_line":"Criminal liability; exceptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-1604\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":85635,"section_number":"53.1-1","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-1\/"},{"id":77846,"section_number":"54.1-3400","catch_line":"Citation","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3400\/"}],"permalink":{"id":166569,"object_type":"law","relational_id":58255,"identifier":"18.2-250","token":"18.2\/7\/1\/18.2-250","url":"\/18.2-250\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/18.2-250\/","token":"18.2\/7\/1\/18.2-250","dublin_core":{"Title":"Possession of controlled substances unlawful","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 18.2-250","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a controlled substance unless the substance was obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription or order<\/span> of a practitioner while acting in the course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by the Drug Control Act (\u00a7 54.1-3400<\/a> et seq.).\n\t\t\tUpon the prosecution<\/span> of a person for a violation of this section, ownership or occupancy of premises or vehicle upon or in which a controlled substance was found shall not create a presumption<\/span> that such person either knowingly or intentionally possessed such controlled substance. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

a.<\/span> Any person who violates this section with respect to any controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II of the Drug Control Act shall be guilty of a Class 5 felony<\/span>, except that any person other than an inmate of a penal institution as defined in § 53.1-1<\/a> or in the custody<\/span> of an employee thereof who violates this section with respect to a cannabimimetic agent is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

b.<\/span> Any person other than an inmate of a penal institution as defined in \u00a7 53.1-1<\/a> or in the custody<\/span> of an employee thereof, who violates this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule III shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

b1.<\/span> Violation of this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule IV shall be punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

b2.<\/span> Violation of this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule V shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

c.<\/span> Violation of this section with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule VI shall be punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The provisions of this section shall not apply to members of state, federal, county, city or town law<\/span>-enforcement agencies, jail officers, or correctional officers, as defined in § 53.1-1<\/a>, certified as handlers of dogs trained in the detection of controlled substances when possession<\/span> of a controlled substance or substances is necessary in the performance of their duties. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPOSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES UNLAWFUL (\u00a7 18.2-250)\n\nA. It is unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a\ncontrolled substance unless the substance was obtained directly from, or\npursuant to, a valid prescription or order of a practitioner while acting in the\ncourse of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by the\nDrug Control Act (\u00a7 54.1-3400 et seq.).\n\t\t\tUpon the prosecution of a person for a violation of this section, ownership\nor occupancy of premises or vehicle upon or in which a controlled substance was\nfound shall not create a presumption that such person either knowingly or\nintentionally possessed such controlled substance.\n\n a. Any person who violates this section with respect to any controlled\n substance classified in Schedule I or II of the Drug Control Act shall be\n guilty of a Class 5 felony, except that any person other than an inmate of a\n penal institution as defined in § 53.1-1 or in the custody of an employee\n thereof who violates this section with respect to a cannabimimetic agent is\n guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\n b. Any person other than an inmate of a penal institution as defined in \u00a7\n 53.1-1 or in the custody of an employee thereof, who violates this section\n with respect to a controlled substance classified in Schedule III shall be\n guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\n b1. Violation of this section with respect to a controlled substance\n classified in Schedule IV shall be punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor.\n\n b2. Violation of this section with respect to a controlled substance\n classified in Schedule V shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor.\n\n c. Violation of this section with respect to a controlled substance classified\n in Schedule VI shall be punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor.\n\nB. The provisions of this section shall not apply to members of state, federal,\ncounty, city or town law-enforcement agencies, jail officers, or correctional\nofficers, as defined in § 53.1-1, certified as handlers of dogs trained in\nthe detection of controlled substances when possession of a controlled substance\nor substances is necessary in the performance of their duties.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 54-524.101:2; 1972, c. 798; 1973, c. 64; 1975, cc. 14,\n15; 1976, c. 614; 1978, cc. 151, 177, 179; 1979, c. 435; 1980, c. 285; 1991, c.\n649; 1998, c. 116; 2014, cc. 674, 719.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}