State Sen. Aaron Rouse, D–Virginia Beach, gives remarks to the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services subcommittee on his bill to create a framework for a retail marijuana market on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the General Assembly Building in Richmond. Spokesperson: Gov. Youngkin likely to again veto regulated marketplace. Democratic state lawmakers won’t let … [Read more...] about Va. Democrats to press cannabis market bills in 2025
Virginia
VA Woman Could Face Lifetime in Prison for Mushroom, Cannabis Sales
A woman in Louisa County, Virginia, faces a sentence of up to 160 years in prison after her conviction for selling psilocybin mushrooms and cannabis, at what law enforcement described as a weekly “pop-up farmers style market for smoking and vaping products.” Advocates have condemned the costly investigation and extreme potential sentence, when possession and home cultivation of … [Read more...] about VA Woman Could Face Lifetime in Prison for Mushroom, Cannabis Sales
No, we should not legalize retail sales of cannabis
The Virginia General Assembly has reached a standstill on the question of legalizing recreational cannabis and establishing a framework for retail sales. While many believe that this is a step toward progress and an opportunity to generate tax revenue, I firmly believe that the commonwealth should reject these efforts that will only put more Virginians at risk. Marijuana is not … [Read more...] about No, we should not legalize retail sales of cannabis
Yes, we should legalize retail sales of cannabis
In recent years, Virginia has made commendable progress in its approach to marijuana policy. The landmark legislation of 2021, which legalized adult use, was a bold step forward. Yet, despite this progress, a glaring issue has emerged, particularly in Southwest Virginia: the unchecked proliferation of illegal and unregulated marijuana stores. This issue underscores a critical … [Read more...] about Yes, we should legalize retail sales of cannabis
Marijuana justice could be a step toward reparations in Virginia
In June, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order pardoning 175,000 low-level convictions related to cannabis possession in his state, marking the largest pardon related to cannabis possession charges in U.S. history. Months before the historic move, Maryland lawmakers began considering a proposal to create a reparations system by increasing the marijuana sales tax, … [Read more...] about Marijuana justice could be a step toward reparations in Virginia
Virginia Governor Vetoes Bill To Legalize Cannabis Sales
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin on Thursday vetoed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales, saying that regulated sales of cannabis would be a danger to health and safety. Virginia legalized the possession of small amounts of weed three years ago, but consumers remain without a legal way to purchase cannabis in the state. The governor vetoed two identical bills passed … [Read more...] about Virginia Governor Vetoes Bill To Legalize Cannabis Sales
Virginia lawmakers may speed up recreational marijuana sales
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC)-Multiple bills in the Virginia General Assembly attempt to accelerate recreational marijuana sales, which could start as early as this summer. Meanwhile, some fear the approach lawmakers are leaning towards would give one group an unfair advantage in what’s expected to be a multi-billion dollar industry. Last year, the General Assembly legalized possession … [Read more...] about Virginia lawmakers may speed up recreational marijuana sales
Virginia Department of Forensic Science Releases Report on THC Blood Detection
The Virginia Department of Forensic Science (VDFS) recently released a report regarding its federal funded study to research reliable testing methods for detecting THC in blood. DFS was originally granted $290,353 in 2020 by the Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice. “The goal of this research project is to develop and validate an automated sample preparation … [Read more...] about Virginia Department of Forensic Science Releases Report on THC Blood Detection
Virginia GOP Governor Vetoes Marijuana Parental Rights Bill That Passed Legislature With Bipartisan Support
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) vetoed a bill on Friday that would have prevented the state from using marijuana alone as evidence of child abuse or neglect, dealing a setback to advocates who’ve spent years working to enact the reform. Youngkin had until midnight Friday to sign the bill, HB 833, veto it or let it take effect without his signature. He also could have sent the … [Read more...] about Virginia GOP Governor Vetoes Marijuana Parental Rights Bill That Passed Legislature With Bipartisan Support
Marijuana retail market bills advance after votes in General Assembly
RICHMOND, Va. -- Bills intended to launch Virginia’s recreational marijuana retail market took steps forward in the General Assembly this week. The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that would allow legal sales of recreational pot to start in January 2025. Meanwhile, the House of Delegates on Monday passed legislation that would allow a few companies to begin sales starting in … [Read more...] about Marijuana retail market bills advance after votes in General Assembly
