Bills to legalize, decriminalize marijuana defeated in Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) -- Bills that would have legalized and decriminalized marijuana possession in Virginia have been defeated in the General Assembly.
A Democrat delegate, representing Norfolk and Portsmouth, introduced HB 2371 that would have legalized marijuana.
He's been an advocate for marijuana reform since 2016.
"It's a sad day for Virginia," he wrote when the bill was defeated in the House Courts of Justice Committee. "This is just the beginning of the fight. I have heard from thousands of Virginians this week who have flooded my office with calls, emails, visits, and social media posts, sharing their personal stories."
The bill would have also allowed for the cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution of marijuana throughout the state for those older than 21 and allow the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to issue licenses for cultivation and retail distribution of marijuana.
"I will continue to fight for Virginians of all walks of life, from all political backgrounds, who believe as I do, that marijuana prohibition has been a failure," Sen. Heretick said. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your support and for standing with me."
Another bill, introduced by Sen. Adam Ebbin, would have decriminalized simple marijuana possession.
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Prosecutors and police remain opposed to decriminalization.
Ebbin said a criminal charge for marijuana possession can have lasting ramifications, including negative impacts on job opportunities and child custody cases.
Legislation passed in 2018 allows in-state production and sales of cannabis oils to patients with certificates from their doctors. The initial legislation passed in 2016 called for cannabis oils to be available only for people with intractable epilepsy.
In Virginia, five companies are expected to open the state’s first medical cannabis dispensaries this year.
