If the legislation is passed into law, Virginia would join 15 other states and neighboring DC in legalizing small amounts of marijuana.
RICHMOND, Virginia (AP) – Both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation on Friday that would legalize marijuana for adult recreational use, with retail sales starting several years later.
Work on complicated legislation has been a priority for Democrats who control the state government. But the process is far from complete – there are substantial differences between the plans for the two chambers that must be resolved before being sent to Governor Ralph Northam, who may also try to make additional changes.
“I think Virginia is on the road to an equitable legalization plan for marijuana. There have been some bumps, but I am hopeful that we will have a polished bill that we can agree to in the coming weeks, ”said Senator Adam Ebbin, one of the main sponsors of that chamber’s bill.
If the legislation is passed, Virginia will join 15 other states and the neighboring District of Columbia in legalizing small amounts of marijuana for adult recreational use, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The Chamber passed its version of the legislation by 55 votes to 42. The Senate presented its bill 23-15.
The measures of both chambers would legalize the possession of 30 grams of marijuana or less for those over 21, although this provision has different start dates. Both projects would also begin the process of eliminating some past marijuana-related offenses, beginning on July 1. Both measures provide for retail sales from 2024, supervised by a newly created regulatory body. And both would use most of the sales tax revenue to finance pre-K for children at risk.
Among the differences between the two projects: the Senate version allows localities to choose not to allow retail stores and requires a second vote by parliamentarians next year to finalize the legal framework.
This year’s pressure for legalization comes after the new Democratic majority in the General Assembly passed decriminalization legislation last year, making simple possession a civil penalty that can be punished with a maximum $ 25 fine.
Northam, also a Democrat, took a new position in November, supporting legalization. He said there were many reasons why he changed his mind, including unequal punishments for marijuana-related crimes among people of color.
In his annual speech to lawmakers last month, he said legalization would ensure that Virginia is a “fairer state that works better for everyone”.
“We did the research and we can do it the right way, leading with social equality, public health and public safety,” said Northam at the time.
Law enforcement groups, religious advocacy groups and addiction prevention advocates are among those who oppose the measure.
Regina Whitsett, executive director of Substance Abuse Free Environment, Inc., said that legalizing marijuana will increase the number of traffic accidents affected by drugs and marijuana use among young people. The group is also concerned that edible marijuana products may reach children’s hands and result in accidental poisoning.
“It is not really the legalization of marijuana, it is the marketing of marijuana that they are trying to approve,” said Whitsett.
Dana Schrad, executive director of the Virginia Chiefs of Police Association, said officers are concerned that legalization will increase marijuana use in general and cause more impaired traffic accidents.
“The question of seeing this as a profitable industry for Virginia is negated by the health care costs, the impaired driving costs, the fact that young people are exposed to this,” said Schrad. “There are many other problems and costs that come from legalizing marijuana.”
Both versions of the legislation have safety provisions that deal with packaging, advertising and consumer education.
Legalization should generate substantial tax revenue. A recent study conducted by the legislature’s research and enforcement agency, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, found that legalizing and taxing commercial marijuana sales could generate between $ 154 and $ 308 million in the fifth year of sales.
The majority leader in the House, Charniele Herring, who is the main sponsor of the House project, said the legislation is a matter of urgency for people of color who have been disproportionately penalized for marijuana-related crimes.
The commission’s study found that blacks in Virginia represent a disproportionately high percentage of individuals arrested and convicted of marijuana-related crimes. From 2010-2019, the average black prison rate for marijuana possession was 3.5 times higher than the white prison rate, according to the study, which also found that blacks were also convicted at a much higher rate high – 3.9 times higher than white individuals.
“These communities are suffering. The time to provide repair is now, ”said Herring.
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