Laws on marijuana are changing every year from state to state. We understand that it can be difficult to keep up with all of the updates. We wanted to make things easy, so we put together the most recent changes to the Virginia Marijuana Laws in one place. Learn more below!
Status: Mixed
Decriminalized: No
Medical: CBD Oil
Decriminalization Endorsed by Attorney General
With the legislative session adjourning in February 2019, the bills on decriminalization and legalization were defeated before the vote could be made. Now, with more support from officials, the bills look to make a comeback in 2020.
The Attorney General Mark Herrin submitted his op-ed to the press urging that they decriminalize small amounts of marijuana, help those with past convictions, and move toward regulation and taxation of marijuana for adults 21 and older.
After this was submitted, more officials started voicing their opinions. In June, Governor Ralph Northam, and Tommy Norment, both shared they would back the new marijuana initiative.
After polling, Virginia seems to be on board for decriminalizing marijuana, with 8 out of 10 residents supporting the bill. Beyond that, 62% of Virginians are in favor of ending prohibition on marijuana completely.
Virginia Medical Marijuana
in 2018, Virginia expanded upon the already instated medical cannabis law, that allowed those suffering from epilepsy to use cannabis oil with a certificate from their doctor.
HB-1251 was signed by Ralph Northam in March of 2018, which ultimately allows doctors to recommend THC-A or CBD oil for any condition.
As long as the oil meets state requirements, patients can posses the cannabis oil. Cannabis oil must have at least 15% CBD and no more than 5% of THC.
SB-1557 helped to expand the medical program further in 2019. Nurse Practitioners and Physicians Assistants can now issue certifications for CBD and THC-A. This bill also requires the board to establish limitations on doses.The dispensed dose of THC-A or CBD must not exceed 10 mg of THC.
Even though the law provides an “affirmative defense”(this can be used by the defendant if prosecuted), this does not prevent any patient from being arrested or charged with possession of marijuana by the police.
You can register as a patient, guardian, or physician through the Board of Pharmacy here. As of now, Pharmaceutical Processors are the only businesses that can produce CBD and THC-A oil for patients.
Stay tuned for more changes to the Virginia Marijuana Laws!
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