There are quiet political scandals… and then there are the ones where the FBI shows up.This week, federal agents hit the office of L. Louise Lucas—one of the most powerful politicians in Virginia—and suddenly the line between cannabis, politics, and power doesn’t look so blurry anymore.The raid wasn’t just about her government office either. It reportedly ties back to a … [Read more...] about Feds Kick the Door In: When Cannabis and Power Collide in Virginia
Virginia
The Day Virginia Politicians All Agreed on Weed (Mark Your Calendar)
In a rare moment of political peace, Virginia lawmakers just voted 139–0 on a cannabis bill.Yes, 139 to zero. Not a single “no.” If you follow politics, you know that’s about as rare as a calm family dinner on Thanksgiving.The bill makes a few practical changes to the state’s medical cannabis program, mostly aimed at making life easier for patients.First up: delivery. Licensed … [Read more...] about The Day Virginia Politicians All Agreed on Weed (Mark Your Calendar)
Hospital Gowns Don’t Have Pockets… Especially for Your Medical Weed
Here’s a weird little reality check. In Connecticut, you can legally get medical marijuana, if recommended by a doctor. You can use it at home. You can use it for serious conditions. But the second you roll through hospital doors in one of those backless gowns? Suddenly your medicine becomes a problem. That’s why lawmakers in Connecticut are now debating a bill that would … [Read more...] about Hospital Gowns Don’t Have Pockets… Especially for Your Medical Weed
Hospitals May Soon Join Virginia’s Medical Cannabis Era
Virginia is one step closer to allowing medical cannabis use inside hospitals — as long as federal cannabis rescheduling moves forward.Lawmakers recently advanced a bill that would let qualified patients continue using medical marijuana during hospital stays, something that’s often restricted today because hospitals must follow federal rules tied to funding and drug … [Read more...] about Hospitals May Soon Join Virginia’s Medical Cannabis Era
Paging Dr. Green: Virginia Hospitals May Soon Allow Cannabis at the Bedside
A newly filed bill in the Virginia General Assembly could bring a significant change to how terminally ill patients receive comfort care inside the state’s hospitals. The proposal would allow qualifying patients to use physician-recommended medical marijuana while admitted to hospitals and other licensed health care facilities—something that is currently restricted in many … [Read more...] about Paging Dr. Green: Virginia Hospitals May Soon Allow Cannabis at the Bedside
Hemp on the Brink: Virginia Businesses Navigate Federal Clampdown
Virginia’s hemp industry, long heralded as a model for innovation and growth, now faces an uncertain horizon as federal regulators move to ban most hemp-derived THC products. Richmond-based Bingo Beer, which recently entered the market with THC-infused seltzers, has seen its nonalcoholic beverages gain traction among consumers seeking alternatives to alcohol. Yet, the sudden … [Read more...] about Hemp on the Brink: Virginia Businesses Navigate Federal Clampdown
Youngkin’s Vetoes Take Another Hit on Cannabis Reform in Virginia
RICHMOND — Gov. Glenn Youngkin has once again thwarted a bipartisan effort to establish a regulated and taxed adult-use cannabis retail market in Virginia, vetoing a key proposal that would have created the framework for such a system. He also rejected measures designed to modify sentences for individuals convicted of marijuana-related offenses and protect legal cannabis users … [Read more...] about Youngkin’s Vetoes Take Another Hit on Cannabis Reform in Virginia
Bills to legalize retail marijuana pass both Virginia House and Senate again
ROANOKE, Va. – For the second consecutive year, bills aimed at legalizing cannabis retail sales have passed through both the Virginia House and Senate. Past story: Bill to legalize retail marijuana sales advancing through General Assembly JM Pedini, executive director of Virginia NORML, says that legalizing cannabis sales would take marijuana off the streets and place it in a … [Read more...] about Bills to legalize retail marijuana pass both Virginia House and Senate again
Cannabis is here to stay, and the state’s regulatory scheme has failed
"Adult share" stores operate like clubs whose members “share” cannabis with new members who must buy something or pay for membership. Some of the shops “gift” marijuana when customers buy an item like a T-shirt, hat, sticker or CBD product. Photo by Dwayne Yancey. This is part of our Cardinal Way project on promoting civil discussions. Last month we ran opposing pieces on … [Read more...] about Cannabis is here to stay, and the state’s regulatory scheme has failed
Virginia lawmakers renew push for legal cannabis marketplace
Virginia lawmakers are preparing to reintroduce bipartisan legislation aimed at creating a regulated and taxed adult-use cannabis marketplace in the state. The renewed push comes after Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a similar proposal earlier this year. Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, are once again spearheading the effort, planning to bring … [Read more...] about Virginia lawmakers renew push for legal cannabis marketplace
