Virginia: Tell The Crime Commission to Decriminalize Marijuana

Members of the Virginia State Crime Commission are seeking written comments from the public regarding the topic of decriminalizing marijuana possession. Under current Virginia law, the possession of one-half ounce of cannabis or less is classified as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
The commission is studying the issue at the request of Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment, who tasked members to “undertake a study examining a future change to the Code of Virginia regarding criminal penalties related to the possession of small amounts of marijuana.” The procedurally required study will be completed October 5 in preparation for the 2018 legislative session.
Members of the public may submit comments until August 25, 2017. The commission’s findings will be presented on October 5.
Specifically, the study may examine:
Consequences experienced by any state that has changed the emphasis of its laws regarding possession of small amounts of marijuana from criminal to civil penalties. 
Contemporary research related to marijuana and its effects on users, especially any studies indicating a correlation between its usage and that of opioids or illegal stimulants (methamphetamine and cocaine) as a possible “gateway” drug.
The status and strength of current Virginia law related to driving under the influence of marijuana, and the efficacy of existing available technology related to the detection of such use that is admissible in criminal proceedings. 
Requirements by the federal government and its agencies related to the Commonwealth’s laws and enforcement of criminal penalties for marijuana possession, including any potential ramifications to the Commonwealth if its laws were in conflict with current federal statutes and regulations related to marijuana enforcement. 
If states that have decriminalized possession of marijuana continue to criminalize it on second or third offenses.
The number of Virginians arrested for violating the state’s marijuana possession laws rose 76 percent between 2003 and 2014. In 2010, 88.3% of all marijuana offenses were for marijuana possession (18,756 out of 21,231). Minor marijuana possession violators, many of them young, first-time offenders, should not be punished with a lifelong criminal conviction.
In line with changes in other states, the majority of Virginians (78%) support reducing the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana to a fine instead of a misdemeanor conviction. 
Please use the prewritten letter below to contact the Crime Commission and urge them to support decriminalization in Virginia.

Wisconsin: Bill Filed To Regulate Marijuana Possession, Use, Sales

Legislation is pending for the 2017-2018 legislative session to regulate the use, growing, and distribution of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes.

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Melissa Sargent (D-Madison), permits adults to possess and grow personal use quantities of cannabis, and to possess marijuana-related paraphernalia. It also establishes regulations for the commercial production and retail sale of marijuana to anyone over the age of 21. Public use of cannabis is subject to a $100 civil fine.

The bill also establishes a regulated system for the production and distribution of cannabis for medical purposes. It further prohibits employers from discriminating against employees because of their off-the-job use of cannabis, and mandates insurance providers to provide coverage for patients’ use of medical marijuana.

Enter your information below to contact your lawmakers and urge them to support this important legislation.

Can Texas Build a Working Medical Cannabis Program in 2019?

As Canada works towards next year’s launch of an adult-use cannabis market, there are still some key regulatory issues to hammer out. One of which is how the country should handle its existing medical marijuana program. A pair of pharmacology researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, want to see officials separate medical and […]

The High Life Episode 6: Alex Rogers, Cannabis Goes Corporate

As Canada works towards next year’s launch of an adult-use cannabis market, there are still some key regulatory issues to hammer out. One of which is how the country should handle its existing medical marijuana program. A pair of pharmacology researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, want to see officials separate medical and […]

This Canadian Cannabis Advisory Ad Is Full-On Trippy

As Canada works towards next year’s launch of an adult-use cannabis market, there are still some key regulatory issues to hammer out. One of which is how the country should handle its existing medical marijuana program. A pair of pharmacology researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, want to see officials separate medical and […]

Is Cannabis Against Your Religion?

As Canada works towards next year’s launch of an adult-use cannabis market, there are still some key regulatory issues to hammer out. One of which is how the country should handle its existing medical marijuana program. A pair of pharmacology researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, want to see officials separate medical and […]

Colorado’s Top CBG Grower Just Happens to Be Blind

As Canada works towards next year’s launch of an adult-use cannabis market, there are still some key regulatory issues to hammer out. One of which is how the country should handle its existing medical marijuana program. A pair of pharmacology researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, want to see officials separate medical and […]

High Design Meets High Function in PCKT Vaporizers

As Canada works towards next year’s launch of an adult-use cannabis market, there are still some key regulatory issues to hammer out. One of which is how the country should handle its existing medical marijuana program. A pair of pharmacology researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, want to see officials separate medical and […]

1 336 337 338 339 340 355
Right Menu Icon