Virginia Governor Signs Marijuana Reform Bill As State’s First Medical Dispensary Prepares To Open

The governor of Virginia signed a modest marijuana reform bill into law this week, a move that comes days before the state’s first medical cannabis dispensary is set to open. Gov. Ralph Northam (D), who approved legislation to decriminalize low-level marijuana possession earlier this year, put his signature on a bill that will allow people issued summonses for the offense to prepay their civil penalty rather than having show up in court. The bill is one of several dealing with cannabis reform that have advanced in the Commonwealth during a special session. For example, Northam has until October 21 to act on separate legislation that’s also on his desk that would make it so police could not “stop, search, or seize any person, place, or thing solely on the basis of the odor of marijuana.” Bills to facilitate the expungement of prior convictions, including for cannabis and other drugs, were also passed by lawmakers and have been sent to a bicameral conference committee, where House and Senate members have been appointed to negotiate and resolve differences between the chambers’ competing proposals. Under the House measure, eligible convictions would be automatically expunged after a period of eight years. The Senate’s version, meanwhile, would allow people to petition to have their records cleared after a period of five years. The House bill covers more drug crimes, as well. During the state’s regular legislative session earlier this year, the governor and legislators also expanded Virginia’s limited medical cannabis program. And on that note, the…

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Source : MJ moment
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