Virginia General Assembly Passes Two Marijuana Bills

The Virginia General Assembly had 17 different marijuana-related pieces of legislation to sift through this session. Two of those 17 passed the House and Senate. One is in hopes of reducing penalties affecting driver’s licenses status for misdemeanor marijuana charges.

The current law requires a six-month license suspension with any drug possession charge, according to WHSV 3 News. No accident or physical harm has to occur in combination with the drug possession charge. Under the new law, if adopted, judges would have the authority to determine the consequences for first-time offenders.

One of the alternative consequences could be community service.

Virgnia NORML is pleased with this week’s progress.

Jenn Michelle Pedini of Virginia NORML said, ”What this really helps do is open up the conversation and help lawmakers realize that this truly is a bipartisan effort and the demand for this type of reform is abundant, not only within their communities but within the legislature itself.”

The second bill passed gives pharmacies permission to produce/manufacture CBD oil and THC-A oil for epilepsy patients.

Both require signatures by the House and Senate leaders before they’re given to Governor McAuliffe’s office for final signatures.