Virginia Cannabis Market Regulation: Legislative strategy
Virginia legislators are looking at an alternative after Governor Spanberger vetoed legislation to create a regulated cannabis market for adults. This would be to integrate these provisions into upcoming state budget bills. The governor may have previously opposed this approach, but it could be used to advance the bill. according to Marijuana Moment.
Scott Surovell, Senate Majority leader and Chair of the Courts of Justice Committee (D), has indicated that cannabis retail sales are not resolved for this year. According to him, policy measures like those that pertain to Virginia’s cannabis market regulations can be included in the budget and then presented to Governor. Senate Pro Tempore Louise Lucas’ (D) sentiments were echoed, as she highlighted that Governor McDonnell’s vetoes had impacted state revenues. Lucas said the governor should submit new legislation to restore funds and address his vetoes.
The lawmakers will reconvene on June 1 to finish the budget. It must be approved by July 1. If the legislature is finalized close to this date, the governor might be forced to approve the budget even though it includes provisions she has previously rejected.
The Governor’s Position and policy concerns
Governor Spanberger expressed concerns about the inclusion of cannabis-sales provisions in budgets. In an interview with The Richmond Times-Dispatch she called such a tactic an “outrageous possible” and an abuse of the budget process, indicating many legislators that she had spoken to were against it. Governor said that SB 542 and HB 642 were originally not prepared to be implemented.
Last week, the Legislature rejected her amendments to cannabis bills. The amendments were:
- Releasing the date when legal sales will begin from January 1, 2019 to July 1.
- From July 1, 2020, the tax will increase from 6 percent up to 8 per cent.
- Cannabis consumers should be subject to new criminal sanctions, including making the use of marijuana in public a criminal offense (instead a civil penalty of $25) or possessing cannabis before age 21 as a misdemeanor.
- All cannabis revenues should be directed to the general funds, instead of specific allocations made for early childhood education and behavioral health, the Cannabis Equity Fund or the Cannabis Reinvestment Reinvestment fund.
- Legislative study on microbusiness permits, and licenses for consumption at events.
She also expressed concern about “a rushed timeline” in the establishment of new markets and “far more shops across Virginia” that she did not deem appropriate. Her previous signatures on legislation allowing for resentencing for people with prior cannabis convictions, and for patients to be able to use medical marijuana in hospital settings indicate her support for certain cannabis reforms.
The Perspectives of Industry and Advocacy
The industry and advocacy groups continue to call for a Virginia marijuana market that’s regulated. JM. Pedini (development director for NORML) and Virginia NORML executive director, said that any claims the state is unprepared were unfounded. This was due to six legislative sessions devoted exclusively to the cannabis debate. Pedini affirmed NORML’s commitment to explore all options in order to complete market regulation by 2026.
Trent Woloveck (Chairman of Strategy at Jushi) expressed the hope that a deal could be struck during the session. He noted the minor differences between Governor Spanberger’s substitute and the legislation passed by the state legislature. Virginia NORML and Marijuana Justice sent a previous letter to Governor Spanberger urging that she not veto sales legalization legislation. A regulated market, the letter said, would replace illicit operations by a framework that includes enforceable rules and oversight as well product safeguards and safety standards for consumers.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute medical advice. Hemp Gazette is not a medical provider and does not offer diagnoses or treatment plans. Consult a healthcare professional before you make any decision regarding your health. The Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia (TGA) has not evaluated any statements regarding the therapeutic use of cannabis or hemp-derived products. TGA regulates the access to medical cannabis in Australia.