Marijuana bill advances in the General Assembly
Legislation to allow retail sales of marijuana is advancing in the Virginia General Assembly.
The Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services voted Jan. 26 to approve a bill to establish a framework for creating a retail marijuana market.
The bill (SB 448), proposed by Sen. Aaron Rouse (D) of Virginia Beach, would allow the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to grant a limited number licenses to allow retail sales beginning on Jan. 1, 2025. It would also allow certain pharmaceutical processors to begin operations on July 1 of this year.
The measure now goes to the Senate Courts of Justice Committee and the Finance and Appropriations Committee. It would then have to go to the House of Delegates before the crossover deadline on Feb. 13. The House is also considering similar legislation.
If the bill survives the General Assembly, there is a strong possibility that Gov. Glenn Youngkin will veto it.
Under the bill, the Cannabis Control Authority would set limits on the number of licenses granted for marijuana cultivation facilities, manufacturing facilities, wholesale businesses, and retail stores. Sales would be limited to individuals at least 21 years old. The bill also sets requirements for quality control, packaging, labeling, enforcement, and taxes.
SB 448 allows local governments to hold a referendum giving voters the option to ban retail cannabis sales.
In 2021, Virginia legalized the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana in a public place. Individuals caught with more than an ounce but less than a pound are subject to a civil penalty between $25 and $1,000, depending on the amount and whether it’s a first offense.
Possession of more than a pound in a public space is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Virginians can legally cultivate up to four marijuana plants on their property but the plants cannot be visible to the public.
There were 1,560 marijuana arrests in Virginia in 2022, down 37 percent from 2,466 in 2021, the State Police Department reports.
Please look at all the studies about the implications (all bad) of this insane proposal – how dumb can the people be that support this…..want to smoke it -fine – want to grow your own and smoke it fine – medical MJ fine – but stop this nonsense about legalization and retailing it –
I agree with you Mark. This proposed legislation is flawed.
Well I guess something had to fill the void of tobacco, probably being pushed by the same companies that were killing us with cigarettes, now we have a new product.
But if Virginia doesn’t legalize marijuana all the potential tax revenue will go to Maryland and DC, where legal marijuana will flourish.
As David Mardsen has been as clear as possible in regard to casino gambling, elected officials HATE to give up a source of tax revenue to neighboring jurisdictions.
What comes next will be legalized prostitution.
Just remember, all the additional tax revenue from these activities will be dedicated to supporting Virginia’s public schools and the CHILDREN.
Why? Because politicians like David Mardsen really really and truly CARE about the CHILDREN.
Just so the children can grow up to work in a casino, smoke & be a dope, vote for their politician-pushers and pay taxes to those same pushers/politicians that then get to decide how it’s spent (more votes for handout programs – like subsidized housing & less crime enforcement). Of course this not for all the children – just those & their parents that are not smart enough to see this and many other realities. What wonderful elected and enlightened leadership Fairfax county voters has put in place. Good grief.
Plenty of successful people use cannabis. It’s safer than alcohol. Stop with the politics and focus on more freedom.
Dream On Susie
Uhh. No taxes. The government doesn’t deserve the taxes; they made it illegal to begin with.
And for the kids? I don’t have kids, but I’m already taxed for your schools, etc. No, thank you. Allow the FREE market to flourish. P.S. Ban ABC stores and return them to the people. Just saying.