On Thursday, Virginia Senators passed a bill decriminalizing marijuana within the state. The legislation removes the threat of imprisonment for simple marijuana possession.
The measure was approved through a voice vote by the Senate Judiciary Criminal Law Subcommittee. The panel debated other measures that were adopted into the passed marijuana legislation, such as the expungement of criminal records and decriminalization proposal.
The subcommittee approved the measure irrespective of the protests from the state chapter of the ACLU. The ACLU argued that the legislation did not protect the people of color from being caught up in the war against drugs and said that they would prefer to wait until the broad legalization of marijuana is achieved.
Although other supporters of the criminal justice reform are in favor of proceeding with certain amendments, they still shared their concerns about the limitations of SB 2. Individuals found guilty of simple possession are liable to a civil penalty, which is punishable by a maximum fine of $50. However, according to the current policy, the same charge attracts a fine of $500 and an additional 30 days in jail.
The legislation would also remove the possession threshold from half an ounce to one once for what is referred to as “intent to distribute.” The definition of hashish would also be removed from state law, and it would be treated as marijuana flower.
Since an expungement provision is in other legislation that has advanced through the Senate, the Senators removed its language from the bill before it was approved. The proposed penalties against juvenile offenders were also reduced.
The subcommittee also agreed to integrate a separate decriminalization bill with a three-tier scheme of offenses, first, second, and third, into SB 2. The measure advancing to the Senate Judiciary Committee stipulates that an offender would be charged a fine of $50 irrespective of the tier.
The Attorney General, Mark Herring, together with the Virginia NORML, testified in favor of the legislation.
Speaking to the media, the Executive Director of Virginia NORML, Jenn Michelle Pedini, said that the panel’s vote is historic and a step in the right direction. Pedini further noted that the lawmakers’ decision to advance the measure is welcome since the state’s marijuana laws have been lagging behind public opinion.
Pedini further said that marijuana criminalization is not solved by decriminalization since decriminalization does nothing to ease the impact of the war against drugs. Therefore, to regulate recreational marijuana and undo the harms of war against drugs, the Commonwealth must swiftly legalize marijuana.
At the beginning of January, during his annual State of the Commonwealth speech, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam included decriminalization in his policy. He said that leaders need to take a look at the criminal justice system to ensure that people are being treated fairly and that the taxpayers’ money is being used wisely.
Herring is in support of decriminalization, which he believes is a step towards broad marijuana legalization. He is also vying for the governorship in 2021. Last month, Herring organized a summit where officials in legal marijuana educated the lawmakers about regulatory challenges and opportunities. During the summit, Herring said that he would support the governor’s push for comprehensive marijuana reform.
It remains to be seen what companies like SinglePoint Inc. (OTCQB: SING) think of the chances of full cannabis legalization in Virgina now that marijuana has been decriminalized.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern – our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer
Do you have a questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor
CannabisNewsWire420
Denver, Colorado
http://www.CNW420.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.
