Category: Virginia
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Federal Court: ‘Common Sense’ That Cops Can Search Residence Due To Cannabis Smell
While a bill to decriminalize cannabis in the state of Virginia moved through the House and Senate earlier this year (it was ultimately approved by Governor Ralph Northam earlier this month), the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Virginia was making its decision regarding a 2016 arrest that began with a…
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Virginia Decriminalizes Cannabis, Plans To Establish Legalization Workgroup
Over the weekend, Governor Ralph Northam approved House Bill 972/Senate Bill 02, decriminalizing cannabis in Virginia. Decriminalization, which begins on July 1, 2020 means that cannabis possession of up to one ounce can only result in a maximum $25 citation and also means Virginians cannot be arrested or criminally charged for it. Additionally, amendments to…
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Changes to Cannabis Charges in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia Amid Coronavirus
Last week, a statement released by the Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP), an organization focused on progressive change among prosecutors, recommended that amid the spread of Coronavirus, older and other especially vulnerable inmates be released and overall, law enforcement reduce the number of arrests and “stop admitting people to jail absent a serious risk to…
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Coronavirus Reveals Cannabis Law Contradictions in DMV
The Coronavirus has made it clear that critiques directed towards many of the systems in the United States are no longer up for debate. Suddenly, even some Republicans are suggesting socialism-tinged policies to address the pandemic and the need to get people out of jail, to put a pause on evictions, and hand over thousands…
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Virginia Lawmakers Approve Smokable Hemp Bill, Need Gov. Signature
A proposal to allow smokable hemp sales to those aged 21 and over is making its way to the desk of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam. Sponsored by Del. Daniel Marshall, HB 962 cleared the House of Delegates earlier this month and was approved by the Senate in a 37-3 vote this past week. “Over the…
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Legalization of Virginia’s Medical Cannabis Program Soon to Be a Reality
Virginia lawmakers in the Senate and House of Delegates approved a bill that would ensure that no person is arrested, persecuted, or denied any right or privilege in participating in the state’s medical cannabis program. Sen. David Marsden’s legislation, SB 1015, now heads to Governor Ralph Northam’s desk for signature. Marsden told The Associated Press,…
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Virginia Likely to Become 27th State to Decriminalize Cannabis
Virginia is poised to decriminalize cannabis this year after the Senate and House approved legislation that is set on eliminating jail time for simple cannabis possession. Last week, the Virginia Senate approved Sen. Adam Ebbin’s SB 2, which would reduce the punishment of simple cannabis possession to a $50 civil penalty or five hours of…
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Cannabis Decriminalization in Virginia Likely Due to Several Bills
The future of Virginia cannabis reform will depend on the success of several bills currently being considered by the General Assembly. Currently, Democrats control both chambers of the General Assembly as well as the governor’s office, so the possibility of decriminalization looks hopeful. In a press release, Governor Ralph Northam said, “All Virginians deserve access…
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NORML Gives Maryland Governor a ‘C’ and Virginia Governor a ‘B+’
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) released its 2020 Gubernatorial Scorecard last week. The cannabis advocacy nonprofit reviews the governor of each state each year based on their voting records and public comments on cannabis and gives them a letter grade. This year, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan received a ‘C’ and…
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How Virginia’s Cannabis Industry Changed in 2019
This article is part of a three-part series that summarizes notable moments in cannabis from 2019 for Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Support For Legalization Becoming More Common in the Commonwealth A survey published in September 2019 shows that an increasing number of those who live in the state of Virginia are supportive of cannabis…
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Virginia Senators Warner and Kaine Demand Urgent Approval of Hemp Plan
Virginia is poised to be a top producer in the country for industrial hemp, but not all legislators and advocates are in agreement with the regulations needed to ensure its success. In a letter sent on January 23, 2020, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expedite its…