Virginia to Legalize Marijuana by 2024

Adult-use cannabis legalization is slowly gaining popularity and demand throughout various states of the country. As a matter of fact, this is evidenced by the number of states that have voted marijuana into legalization just 2020. Despite the increasing call for action to legislators and the federal government, there are still many states that have yet to translate such needs into action.

Virginia is finally keeping pace with its neighboring states and other counties that have already started to decriminalize and even legalize the drug. Both the Senate and the House of Delegates approved marijuana legalization bills, namely Senate Bill 1406 and House Bill 2312 last Friday, February 5, 2021. Following this, the approved bills are slated to pave way for the access of adult-use cannabis come 2024.

Should the momentous move take place, The Washington Post states that Virginia will be the first Southern state to legalize marijuana sales. Apart from this, the state has also agreed to put an end to the death penalty. Details about the two bills, however, still needs to be fixed before being passed into law.

Besides being the first Southern state to legalize adult-use marijuana, Virginia is also slated to become the 16th state to legalize recreational cannabis use and the third state to do so via the legislative committees.

Both the Senate Bill 1406 and House Bill 2312 tackles the legalization of adult-use cannabis and the personal cultivation of the plant by Virginians aged 21 and up. Moreover, these bills also seek for the expungement of a number of marijuana-related offenses and more importantly, make a regulatory framework for the manufacturing and sale of cannabis in the state.

Both of the bills also maintained that a portion of the cannabis revenues will be allocated for programs geared toward pre-K, at-risk youth, and some for other public health initiatives, states the Rolling Stone.

In a statement, Senator Adam Ebbin said, “I think that Virginia is on a path to an equitable legalization plan for marijuana. There have been a few bumps, but I’m hopeful that we’ll have a polished bill we can agree upon on in the next few weeks.”

Despite similarities in its initiatives, there are still key differences between the two bills. Lawmakers are expected to resolve such issues and differences at a later session. One of the main differences between the two is the scope and role that the local government will play in implementing this.

Apart from the aforementioned scope, the Associated Press states that Senate Bill 1406 gives localities the option to opt out of allowing retail stores to operate within its area. The same news site also reveals that the Senate version seeks to require another vote by the legislators in order to help finalize the framework.

According to Newsweek, House Bill 2312 was approved by the House of Delegates with a vote of 55 to 42. Meanwhile, the Senate committee approved Senate Bill 1406 with a 23 to 15 result. The Washington Post said the Senate vote saw two Republicans join in pushing for the legalization of the drug, while one Republican did note vote at all.

Prior to the vote, the Rolling Stone said the Del. Don Scott from Portsmouth remarked, “If you want to help marginalized communities, here is an opportunity. This is an opportunity to invest in those communities that have been decimated by the so-called war on drugs and to give us an economic leg up.”

Following the passing of the bills, sponsor of House Bill 2312 House Majority Leader Charniele Herring from Alexandria took to social media platform Twitter to celebrate the momentous win, saying “This legislation will provide long overdue justice for so many marginalized communities in Virginia.”

Though the movement of the bills looks promising, these will still be required to be signed and approved by Governor Ralph Northam for these to become law. However, the Virginia governor has already voiced support for marijuana legalization in the state, citing the unequal treatment of people of color for marijuana-related crimes as part of his motivation to rally for change, shares the Associated Press.

Several organizations and individuals voiced their opposition for this, including the likes of the clergy, policemen, recovery industry, and Republicans. The Washington Post shares that a number of Republicans that the issue itself poses problems, especially with the commonwealth focusing on legalizing cannabis rather than providing vaccines for its people.

Many of these advocates reportedly believe that the number of casualties caused by the use of marijuana and driving under its influence will rise over time. By extension, the Associated Press states that these advocates also say that the use of marijuana among younger generations and those below 21 will increase, plus posing problems by accidental poisoning to children.

Del. Don L. Scott Jr. from Portsmouth said that “There is already a thriving $.18 billion marijuana market right now in the commonwealth of Virginia. Here is our opportunity to make it safer, to regulate it, to get tax revenues from it,” reports The Washington Post.

Economic Impact of Legalizing Marijuana in Virginia

Legalizing cannabis in the state of Virginia is slated to bring in millions of tax revenues per year. Based on the article by DCist, the estimated amount that the recreational cannabis industry will bring ranges from $31 to $62 million during the first year of implementation alone come 2024.

As the industry picks up, Wavy reports that the total marijuana industry could rake in around $698 million to $1.2 billion every year. This could also give up to $274 million in tax revenues, bringing in more funding to states and giving them the ability to allocate tax revenues as they see fit, especially for programs they want to get on the road.

Because of its large returns the marijuana industry promises to bring, the DCist states that this has prompted Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to prioritize the approval of the bills.

The approval of bills and its passing onto laws could also mean more jobs for Virginian citizens, something which could help uplift the economy, especially after suffering from the effects of the global health crisis of the virus pandemic in 2020.

Varying sectors would require the aid of Virginians, from farming, manufacturing, processing, and even selling cannabis products in the state, giving opportunities to communities and individuals in need. Furthermore, these can draw in investment opportunities, boosting the local economic business in the state.

With the tax revenues it can bring, the state could funnel some of the revenues towards alleviating the effects of the pandemic, apart from the intended allocations initially outlined by the Senate and House Bills.

Accessibility of Marijuana in the State

The impending passing of the legalization of marijuana in Virginia comes as more and more people are exploring cannabis use not only to deal with various health conditions, but also to cope with the effects of the pandemic. As many businesses shut down, medical marijuana patients are limited to getting their cannabis from weed delivery companies.

As of writing, marijuana is still illegal for recreational use. The state, however, has already decriminalized possession for small amounts of the drug, including up to an ounce where the maximum fine for possession is simply $25.

The sale and manufacturing of marijuana products are counted as a felony. Violators may get jail time ranging anywhere from a year to life, while minors can get up to 50 years in prison. Activities that fall under this category are fined from $2,500 to $100,000. Transporting, however, is fined up to a million dollars and can get individuals anywhere from five to 40 years.

Though cannabis use is still largely illegal from a recreational standpoint, medical marijuana patients from Virginia can still get access, and by extension, possess a certain amount of medical cannabis for their treatment. This is only possible with the help of a licensed doctor who has prescribed the treatment and provided the patient qualifies for certain health conditions.

With many patients within the state requiring access to the drug, some dispensaries have started opening their doors and have started offering other services to keep up with the needs of its customers. One of the more revolutionary approaches as of late is weed delivery in parts of Virginia, allowing medical marijuana patients to obtain their prescription needs without going through the hoops.

The Bottom Line

The regulatory framework for implementing the legalization of marijuana in the state of Virginia is still very much complex. With the joint efforts and movements from the Senate and House committees, as well as other lawmakers, Virginians may soon have access to cannabis products and economic opportunities.

With full legalization of adult-use cannabis within sight, the promise towards widened accessibility of the drug and what it brings to the table in terms of health benefits has only become more apparent. What’s more, communities, especially people of color, will finally be given the justice they deserve, alongside with opening up opportunities of furthering discussion and influence of what the marijuana industry can bring to different states.  

VA Bill: BOP to Legalize MMJ Delivery to Caregiver Facilities

House Bill 1988 seeks to involve Virginia’s Board of Pharmacy (BOP) in the way cannabis is pharmaceutically produced, processed, and dispensed in the state. It has undergone reviews and revisions in the House, but it remains to be a proposal until an ultimate decision is given.

The bill tackles the accessibility of medical marijuana, specifically cannabis oil. If passed, this bill will allow the staff of designated caregiver facilities or any nursing home to possess, acquire, deliver, transfer, transport, and administer marijuana oil to patients.

In the document, cannabis oil is defined as “any formulation of processed cannabis plant extract, which may include oil from industrial hemp extract acquired by a pharmaceutical processor pursuant to 54. 1-3442.6., or a dilution of the resin of the cannabis plant that contains at least five milligrams of cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and no more than 10 milligrams of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol per dose.”

It further specified that industrial hemp cultivated and processed under the state and federal law does not qualify as cannabis oil “unless it has been acquired and formulated with cannabis plant extract by a pharmaceutical processor.”

To make this medical treatment aid more accessible, this bill proposes that acceptance of electronic signature on written certifications. This allows patients to go through telemedicine instead of face-to-face consultations. Practitioners are mandated to use their professional opinion to determine the manner of care in relation to cannabis oil.

The Board will also be in charge of adopting and implementing regulations with regards to dispensaries. It will be looking into physical standards, location restrictions, security, minimum equipment and resources, recordkeeping, labeling and packaging, and routine inspections among others. It must be noted that the original proposal offers to do routine inspections quarterly, but with some revisions, the bill now proposes inspections no more than once a year.

With regard to processors, these facilities are required to keep track of their employees criminal background. Applicants will be subjected to background checks to uncover federal and state criminal convictions.

The bill expects the BOP to provide and implements its regulations, complete with reasonable restrictions on promotions and advertising by July 1, 2021.

More Bills Underway

Aside from HB 1988, Virginia is currently dealing with other bills related to medical cannabis read for the first time in the House this year. This includes HB 1862 (employee protections; medicinal use of cannabis oil) led by chief patron Del. Dan Helmer and HB 2218 (pharmaceutical processors; cannabis products) led by Del. Cliff Hayes.

SB 1333 (pharmaceutical processors; cannabis products) led by Del. Louise Lucas, which has been referred in the Senate to Finance and Appropriations.

Aside from legislations in medical cannabis, Virginia’s legislative bodies have also been investigating bills and policies regarding legalization and expungement. So far, four have been incorporated into other similar and preferential bills.

The more focus on marijuana policymaking has been needed over the past few months as more and more people look into the use of cannabis in order to deal with the pandemic. Some, especially patients, are looking for more ways to safely access medical cannabis. In Virginia, residents can legally possess certain amounts of medical marijuana. A few dispensaries are also open in the state.

Non-MMJ patients in many states have also been looking to marijuana for relaxation and lifestyle improvement in light of the stressful situation during the pandemic. However, this cannot be applied in Virginia as marijuana is yet to be fully legalized in the state.

Potential Full Legalization

This is where legalization bills become more important. In fact, one bill has successfully passed a key Senate panel last week, reported the Richmond Times Dispatch. The Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services voted 8-7 in favor of the bill proposed by Governor Ralph Northam’s administration. The ultimate goal of this bill is to legalize recreational marijuana.

The Richmond Times Dispatch noted that all seven votes against the bill came from the seven Republicans on the committee, while the Democrats offered a key decision to delay sales until January 2024.

The 500-page bill addressed some of the most important aspects of cannabis law reform in Virginia, which will take some time when looking at all impacts of this bill.

Senator Monty Mason explained, “[The delay is] a good acknowledgement of the work that has to be done. I hope that we realize that we don’t have to eat the whole cow here, and we can take it apart as we move forward, make some strides this year, and understand that we can come back and continue to work on this as we go forward.”

The delay is also seen as a way to prepare for the sales. The state would need an agency to handle the legal marijuana market, which is expected to result in $500 million in annual revenues. The panel will further look into various aspects of the bill including a framework that would surround the industry and the new agency which is set to be called the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.

Senator Jeremy McPike is optimistic about the necessity for this delay. He said, “We felt the additional year also provided more framework for the social equity components – the business development and equity line to be in place – the education, the public awareness campaign.” McPike added that adding more time will enable the panel “to get it right” instead of rushing the planning process.

However, it is worth noting that this bill will not tackle reforms to the criminal justice system that would be needed before legalizing the plant. This topic will be addressed in one of the other bills that are currently being examined. This bill is sponsored by Sen Adam Ebbin and Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas.

Marijuana Market as an Economic Move

With the projected revenues from the marijuana market reaching hundreds of millions, the economic impact of this bill would be tremendous. It will be able to bring in money for the state, which can be used for various initiatives including a social equity program.

Virginia ACLU and advocacy group Marijuana Justice asserted that a social equity license should be given to license applicants who are members of communities that have been disproportionately affected by the criminalization of the plant.

According to the two groups supported by former Richmond City Council member Marty Jewell, 70% of the state revenue from marijuana should be funneled toward social equity instead of the proposed 30%.

To this end, Jewell argued, “Those dollars should go back significantly to communities impacted by over-incarceration and loss of rights. The Black community is in economic free-fall, and this money would go a long way toward at least beginning to construct a floor.”

Unfortunately, the creation of a social equity program and the proposed 70% toward affected communities was rejected by the panel.

Opposition Follows

Meanwhile, some parties warn against the legalization of marijuana. Todd Gathje of the Family Foundation said that children and teens would be “wondering why they’re being told it’s wrong at school and other places, and why their representatives are pushing for legalization.”

An assemblage of medical experts, law enforcement officers, and community leaders are moving to block the legalization bill, reported The Virginian Pilot. According to them, this move would increase risks of overdose, driving under the influence, and addiction.

Doctor James Avery of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations cited the safety of marijuana use as an example. He said, “Marijuana is not safe for those under 25 years of age – the studies are clear. Yet it’s become normalized for young people. Neuroscience tells us the younger a person is exposed, the greater the negative impact.”

Critics also warn against promoting cannabis in a manner that might lure children and teenagers, similar to the appeal of tobacco. An organization called Smart Approaches to Marijuana expressed worries about products that could be appealing to young individuals including gummies. Hanover Cares leader Octavia Marsh said, “Legal does not necessarily mean safe. Even if it’s not intentionally marketed toward our youth, they are indirectly exposed.”

Other arguments about cannabis access in Virginia includes safety and security. Law enforcement officials noted that there are no reliable tests for marijuana intoxication, which can make the streets unsafe, especially for drivers and pedestrians.

Regardless, the decriminalization law passed last year is a significant move toward full legalization. It is also seen as a way to avoid the disproportionate effects of criminalization due to the country’s war on drugs.

The Bottom Line

Virginia’s move toward full legalization seems imminent, especially in light of the decriminalization bill, as well as the numerous bills that are currently being reviewed. With this, more and more Virginians may be able to access marijuana and marijuana products in the future. Moreover, communities that have been negatively affected by the current laws may be able to receive benefits through social equity programs.

Virginians may soon be able to access such products complete weed delivery not only for caregiver facilities but for other customers as well.

MMJ Dispensaries Open Up Shop in Virginia

As the state of Virginia is looking to legalize marijuana, more and more medical marijuana dispensaries are opening their doors in the region. In the past few weeks and months alone, three medical dispensaries have opened its doors to MMJ patients in Virginia in attempts to cater to the increased demands and needs of the people.

Among the first three companies to do so are Dharma Pharmaceuticals in Bristol, Green Leaf Medical in Richmond, and BEYOND/HELLO located in Manassas. Dharma Pharmaceuticals first opened its dispensary in October 2020, followed by Green Leaf Medical in the last week of November 2020.

The opening of all three dispensaries comes as Virginia changed its laws to decriminalize those who have access to CBD-dominant extract products. Under the reformed legislation which first occurred in 2015, patients whose physicians have recommended cannabis as a primary form of treatment or management tool may possess up to 90 days’ worth of products under their name.

Low-THC medical cannabis was allowed to be used for the treatment of those suffering from intractable epilepsy, provided these contained no more than five percent of THC. It was only in 2018 when marijuana products gained legality in the state, expanding the bill to include not just epilepsy patients, but all patients who could benefit from the drug.

This 2020, five years since the amended legislation have been put into place, the state of Virginia is proud to offer patients what they need. In a statement to NORML in October of this year, Jenn Michelle Padini, Development Director of NORML said, “Five long years after beginning the legislative process to bring medical cannabis to Virginians, we are thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of the Commonwealth’s first dispensary.”

“This day could not come soon enough for the thousands of Virginians who have been waiting patiently for in-state access to safe, regulated products. Virginia NORML has been on the front lines of this effort every step of the way, and I’m so proud of our members’ tireless work to make this a reality,” continued Padini.

As part of the medical cannabis dispensaries’ commitment to making their products more available and accessible to customers, these companies are providing their own home delivery operations. This allows MMJ patients to easily obtain medication designed to address their specific conditions.

Existing Weed Delivery Rules in Virginia

Medical marijuana dispensaries are only accessible to licensed patients recognized by the Virginia State Board of Pharmacy. For those living in the Commonwealth, the state law maintains that any individual diagnosed with any condition can obtain and qualify for medical cannabis treatment. However, this will only hold true provided the medical practitioner or the physician in question issues a certification that allows the patient to be treated using medical marijuana.

Given that the state has already decriminalized the drug to some degree, the new laws in place ensure that individuals in possession of small amounts of cannabis designed for personal consumption would not be subjected to having a criminal record nor prison time.

Deliveries have become a mainstay in the new norm, alongside curbside pickups and even telemedicine services. Most dispensaries in the state are now allowing product deliveries either on the same day or have it shipped, the latter of which takes a few days prior to receiving your package.

How Weed Delivery Changed the Game

The virus pandemic has greatly changed the way the cannabis industry conducted its business. From its in-person interactions with patients and users in the community to the services being afforded, it cannot be denied that the worldwide incident has impacted not only the business but the lives of many people around the globe.

Thankfully, alongside the digitization of services came decriminalization and the movement towards legalization. This entails that dispensaries are offering products and services in a more confident light. May it be displaying products clearly and properly, labeling items, and becoming more open to conversation, the changing tide is paving the way for a brighter future.

Technology has also adapted to the times, especially now that people are staying more indoors. Many established companies and startups alike have allowed their medical marijuana dispensaries to venture into cannabis delivery.

One of the ways that weed delivery changed the marijuana industry for the better is that it furthered the accessibility and convenience of cannabis products in the industry. Where once these were only accessible through physical stores, purchases can now be delivered at home with just the click of a button. At the very core, it preserves safe patient access across various levels, overcoming hurdles such as lack of transportation.

Besides offering hassle-free services, it also shows the dedication of those involved in the cannabis industry just how dedicated they are in extending and catering to the needs of their clients with delivery services and even curbside pick-up.

More than this, it provides an added element of safety and security, particularly to the more vulnerable patients and sectors in society such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and individuals who suffer from mobility restrictions. Leaving the products on your doorstep without the need for physical contact, it reduces the chances of getting the virus or from having to exert much effort. It also offers superior privacy, allowing clients to enjoy their cannabis products without the hullaballoo.

Getting Cannabis Products in Virginia

• Get Weed Delivery Services

There are many concerns about weed delivery, especially for those who have yet to experience the service themselves. Thankfully, what is great about these types of services is that cannabis products are thoroughly checked at every point, ensuring that strict controls are in place to maintain the quality of products and services.

With numerous weed delivery services popping up in Virginia alone, you can rest assured that you get safer and high-quality products, rather than being restricted solely to what the black market has to offer.

By utilizing weed delivery services for your needs, you are not only making the whole buying process much easier, but you are also streamlining the overall process. However, in choosing services providers and medical marijuana dispensaries to deliver your products, make sure to find one that does door-to-door delivery or those that same-day deliveries, especially for emergency situations. This ensures you that all of your needs are taken care of without having to leave the comforts of your own home.

• Consider Curbside Pick-Ups

If you are still iffy about totally switching to deliveries, we get you. To get on the middle ground, why not try a curbside pick-up service? This allows you to get the items you have ordered on the curbside rather than entering the store.

This option is a great compromise to see how well the dispensary works and if they stay on top of the numerous orders they receive from different types of customers. Plus, this also serves as a great way to minimize contact while still ensuring that you have received all of the necessary items under your list.

To do this, make sure to check if your preferred store offers curbside or scheduled pick-ups. Let them know about your orders beforehand so you can minimize your waiting time as well, particularly during a time when public health safety and security is at stake.

• Do Private Meet-Ups

Unfortunately, despite having delivery services available, there simply are just some products that are not eligible for delivery. Whatever these products might be, private meet-ups might be your best bet. This allows you to purchase your cannabis goods at a much closer location while having space and time mostly to yourself.

Not all dispensaries offer this kind of service, so make sure to see if your medical marijuana dispensary provides this type of service for their clients. Besides getting the order yourself and at a much faster pace, you will also have the opportunity to discuss more marijuana products with personnel who are knowledgeable about what they are selling.

• Visit In-Store

Many individuals are still scared to go outside and for good reason. There is, after all, still a pandemic happening. With the marijuana industry touted as one of the essential businesses that can operate, it can be surprising to see them operating.

Although it is not business as usual for these companies, they have certainly adapted to the needs and the call of the times. In-store visits are now more secure than ever, what with sanitation practices observed every so often in an hour.

What’s more, there are also enhanced safety protocols in place. From placing plastic or acrylic shields, encouraging the use of credit or debit cards for payments, to getting temperatures and observing contact tracing practices, in-store visits have now dramatically changed for the better.

Final Thoughts

The opening of new medical marijuana dispensaries in various parts of Virginia is only the start of fulfilling the needs of many MMJ patients in the Commonwealth. With dispensaries offering a more varied range of products and making these more accessible through weed delivery, patients in the state can now easily access their orders through a safer and more secure manner.