420 with CNW — Virginia Governor Leaves Marijuana Provisions in State Budget Untouched
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has proposed a series of amendments to the state budget approved by lawmakers last week, but her recommendations leave intact provisions tied to recreational cannabis sales and a controversial increase in penalties for public marijuana use. The governor’s changes do not alter language that would establish a legal market for recreational cannabis. They also do not address criticism from advocacy organizations that have urged state leaders to remove a section raising the civil fine for consuming marijuana in public from $25 to $250. Opponents argue the increase would place a heavier burden on low-income residents while worsening racial disparities in enforcement. Spanberger submitted her proposed revisions on…
