Friday, March 29, 2024

Virginia Senators Kill Governor’s Amendment To Criminalize Cannabis Possession

The governor’s amendment would have made possession of over 2 ounces of cannabis punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

By Fermin Orgambide

An amendment to Virginia’s Senate Bill 591, proposed by Gov. Glen Youngkin (R), would have made marijuana possession a more serious matter than it is today. However, Youngkin’s efforts fell flat because lawmakers refused to advance the bill altogether, advocacy group NORML reported.

SB 591 was re-referred by legislators to the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services committee, but, since the 2022 legislative session already ended, the legislation will not advance any further this year.

convicted felon arrest
Photo by gesrey/Getty Images

RELATED: GOP-Controlled Committee Kills Virginia Bill To Launch Rec Cannabis Sales This Year

The governor’s amendment would have made possession of over 2 ounces of cannabis punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Possession of over 6 ounces of weed would have been punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.

“The good news is, Governor Youngkin’s effort to recriminalize personal possession failed,” said JM Pedini, executive director of Virginia NORML and NORML’s development director.

RELATED: Virginia Becomes First State In South To Legalize Adult Use Cannabis

“The bad news is lawmakers’ inaction today allows for products containing unregulated and potentially unsafe synthetically-derived THC products to continue to proliferate in Virginia,” Pedini added.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been reposted with permission.

MUST READ

Maybe The New James Bond Should Update With Marijuana

There is a new face, but maybe the new James Bond should update with marijuana. After all, it isn't the 50s anymore.

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR

EVALI Could be Caused By Weed With THC-O Acetate

Products with THC-O acetate, which is believed to be three times more potent than delta-9 THC, are being advertised online and sold on the black market. 

Don't Miss Your Weekly Dose of The Fresh Toast.

Stay informed with exclusive news briefs delivered directly to your inbox every Friday.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.