Virginia Legislature Ignores Calls For Marijuana Policy Reform

VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE IGNORES CALLS FOR MARIJUANA POLICY REFORM

Three marijuana policy reform bills were introduced in the 2012 session of the Virginia General Assembly, but none of them were given a fair hearing. Alexandria delegate David Englin introduced two bills to advance reform efforts. HJ 140 would have created a committee to study taxing and regulating marijuana like alcohol, and HJ 139 would have called on Gov. McDonnell to support efforts to reschedule marijuana. Separately, Roanoke Democrat Onzlee Ware introduced legislation that would have made it easier for individuals charged with possession of marijuana to have court and arrest records expunged. None of the bills advanced out of their respective committees.
One way that local activists are fighting back is by introducing measures at the local, city, or municipal levels that call on the General Assembly to get serious about marijuana policy reform. The Charlottesville city council passed one such measure in May. If you’d like to help your town pass a similar ordinance, please let us know.

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