“As the great philosophers Tommy Chong or Cheech Marin might say, it’s all up in smoke.”
By Graham Moomaw, Virginia Mercury
The hopes that Gov. The hopes that Gov.
According to several Capitol sources, as recently as Wednesday, the cannabis legislation was raised in closed-door talks with the Governor as one of many Democratic priorities that might have been included as part of a deal with the arena.
The prospects for a grand bargain in policy appeared to crumble Thursday when Democrats released a budget plan without Youngkin’s arena proposal, leading the governor to declare he is less inclined to favor Democratic priorities. Youngkin told reporters on Capitol Steps that the arena deal rejected by Senate Democrats could have created up to 30,000 new jobs and had a $12 billion economic impact.
Youngkin asked, “So, if I may be blunt, do you intend to have a cannabis shop at every corner?” “I don’t quite get it.”
The governor stated that several other topics were part of the “overall conversation” with Democrats. He said that the fact that a project for economic development that could have garnered bipartisan support was rejected won’t make him more likely approve bills that are overwhelmingly partisan.
Youngkin stated, “I believe this sets us back meaningfully.”
Del. Paul Krizek, a D-Alexandria representative who is a major sponsor of the marijuana bill, has said that he does not have high hopes for it.
Krizek stated, “It is up in smoke as those great philosophers Tommy Chong or Cheech Marin might say.
Senate Majority leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, pointed out that Youngkin’s comments about cannabis were evidence that the governor was refusing to move on issues which have widespread support.
Surovell stated, “He basically said that he was not willing to take into consideration one of our top priorities.” “This governor wants the terms for every single negotiation to be set by him as if he is the only arbiter on what’s reasonable within a bipartisan atmosphere. It’s not the way it works… He has to give something if he wants anything.
Youngkin cannot veto marijuana legislation immediately because it has not been sent to him. It may be only a matter time after the events of this week. Youngkin reiterated Thursday that he has “no interest” in approving a retail marijuana industry during his four-year tenure.
Youngkin has less than two years left, and the bill sent this year to Youngkin could be the basis for future legislative efforts if Democrats take back the Executive Mansion by 2025.
The bill’s supporters say that it is the most serious attempt yet to create a fair retail marketplace, which gives small entrepreneurs, farmers, and communities most affected by the drug war a chance for new business opportunities.
Virginia conservatives are still opposed to anything that can be seen as promoting drug usage. However, the bill that is going to the Governor builds on the policy decisions already made, such as the decriminalization of possession of small amounts and allowing weed lovers to grow up to 4 plants at home. The state has already taken a less punitive stance on cannabis. However, the bill that is going to the governor does not allow people to buy marijuana legally without a valid medical reason.
“I believe this bill can be supported by a wide range of people once they fully understand its contents,” said Greg Habeeb. He is a former Republican delegate and now works for the Virginia Cannabis Association. “It is about licensing sellers. Testing products is important. Taxing sales is the main issue.
The state will begin accepting applications for dispensaries this September.
The Cannabis Control Authority would oversee the new retail market. This relatively new agency currently regulates Virginia’s medical marijuana program, and runs various public awareness campaigns about marijuana and its effects.
In the past, when dealing with the legalization of cannabis, Democrats and progressives activists struggled to find a way to create a brand new industry and make amends with Black communities who were disproportionately affected by the criminalization of marijuana and the War on Drugs. The bill that was approved does not mention diversity, equity, or inclusion. Youngkin had tried to remove this language elsewhere in the state government. The bill focuses instead on “micro-business” provisions that are race neutral and designed to help historically economically disadvantaged communities reap the financial benefits of marijuana legalization.
Chelsea Higgs Wise is the executive director of Marijuana Justice. She said that the bill was “the best proposition we’ve seen since the legalization discussion began in 2021.”
Higgs, Wise’s group that has been working to include provisions in marijuana legalization that will rectify past harms, said: “We are excited about the end product.”
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In order to achieve this, the General Assembly has passed separate legislation which would allow nearly 800 people who are incarcerated in the state for marijuana-related felonies the opportunity to reduce their sentences due the the state’s progress towards legalization. According to the state’s analysis of the bill, more than 1,200 marijuana offenders on probation or parole would have the opportunity to reduce their post-release supervision.
Separating the bills could theoretically allow Youngkin to pass the retail sales bill while still maintaining his message of tougher punishments for drug dealers.
A second bill sent to Youngkin specifies that the mere possession or consumption of legal marijuana products does not count as abuse or neglect in terms of child custody or visitation.
Senator Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, Youngkin’s main opponent on the arena issue, is sponsoring the Senate version. The House version of the bill was sent to Governor on a 7-day deadline, which means he only has until midnight on Friday to take action.
Originally published by Virginia Mercury.
Virginia Marijuana Bills on Governor’s Desk Include Sentencing Reduction, Employment Protections And Parental Rights
Photo by Philip Steffan.
The post Democrat Bill to Legalize Marijuana in Virginia Could ‘Go Up In Smoke’ as Negotiations with GOP Governor Collapse first appeared on Marijuana moment.
