Gov. Northam to sign bill making Virginia the 1st Southern state to legalize marijuana (sale)

[sockruhtese]

Gov. Ralph Northam is expected to sign legislation allowing the possession, manufacture and sale of marijuana in Virginia.

Timing:
"The legislation now goes to Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam, who has already indicated he will sign it. After he does, regulated merchants will be able to start selling cannabis in 2024."

Racial disparity in criminal charges related to marijuana:
"A 2018 investigation by The Daily Press found that the state’s marijuana laws unfairly targeted Black Virginians. The review of court data found that white people charged with marijuana possession were more likely to get a second chance, while Black defendants were far more likely to spend time behind bars. Even though only 20% of the state’s residents are Black, and even though surveys have repeatedly shown Black and white people use marijuana at similar rates, half of those charged in Virginia with first-offense marijuana possession were Black."

Economic impact of the legalization of marijuana in the state:
"The sale of marijuana in Virginia, where Democrats took full control of the state’s legislature In 2019, is expected to raise about $300 million in tax revenue, a state study found.... the money raised will go toward preschool and public health programs, addiction treatment and programs to address the effects of marijuana’s criminalization."

Northam will also wipe out current convictions for those found guilty of possession/distribution of weed.

Huffington Post: Virginia Set To Be First Southern State To Legalize Marijuana

[ozzyngcsu]

Just curious, why the 3 year delay?

[sockruhtese]

Originally Posted by ozzyngcsu

Just curious, why the 3 year delay?

Not sure but I'm guessing to allow for the sellers/vendors/distributors to become approved and set up shop.

[skeddy]

I heard 5 years before you can expect to be able to buy pot. Most of the states that vote to legalize get bogged down in periphery issues that take years to iron out in their legislative bodies.

[Willamette City]

Hope everything gets sorted out. We've had legal pot in Oregon since 2015 with no issues. It is legal to grow 4 plants and we also have dispensaries in most towns. My little town of 3300 has two dispensaries. It's been a pretty easy roll-out.

[lchoro]

Fastest growing industry now, expected to reach 743,000 by 2025

link

It's already available for medicinal use or in CBD oil form only in much of the states

The issue has been mostly of pitting monied interests which favor criminalization or alcohol over a new industry that they feel threatens their livelihood.

Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce demand for opioid prescriptions.

[DAXhound]

You can even get the THC Oil in Thailand, now, along with a card from a doctor. Notoriously strict laws here, but that changed. Personally, I think the oil is a scam and a way for them to get rid of leaf and shake. The value is in the buds.

[webster]

It will take a lot to get it going. The Commonwealth is going to have to figure out how to handle all that cash, since banking can't be used; not sure if the legislation calls for a new state agency, plant tracking and so forth for commercial use has to be adopted. Not sure if there is a local opt out mechanism. How law enforcement will be affected with grow houses. Its a big effort.

[lchoro]

They've already licensed five or six companies to run the regional dispensaries. Flower is also going to be allowed in another bill.