Virginia Considers Decriminalization As It Welcomes New CBD Program
At least 13 different states today have cannabis decriminalized, including places like Mississippi, North Carolina, and Nebraska.
Those rules surrounding decriminalization also vary between states, you might see different amounts of fines attached to possession for example, or a variation between possible jail time despite the decriminalization. Decriminalization and legalization are not synonymous and cannot be used interchangeably. Just because cannabis might have been legalized or decriminalized doesn't mean that there isn't any punishment attached to the action, there still can be.
If cannabis has been decriminalized then that means users are not going to likely see a criminal record or any jail sentence over their drug use. You might see a fine but no arrest and no court date etc. With legalization, drug users also wouldn't see a penalty unless they were using in a way or consuming a product that didn't fit within the “legal” guidelines. Both legalization and decriminalization can still carry a penalty if you are found engaging in a peaceful act that doesn't involve the property of anyone other than yourself.
With both legalization or decriminalization we see a repeal or reduction in the criminal penalties associated with the act, though the state still maintains great control over all-things cannabis related despite the move to either legalize or decriminalize. Both the decriminalized black market and the regulated “legal” market are still two separate environments that are both regulated by the state.
In Virginia...
Another attempt to decriminalize took place several years ago back in 2015 but it failed.
Earlier this year, a new law was passed that sought to establish legal protection for CBD patients in the state by rolling out plans for CBD oil dispensaries. There are plans for the state to soon be getting their first cannabis dispensaries and those venues are expected to sell CBD and THC-A oils that don't contain enough THC to produce any high (less than 5 percent).
Anyone who's filled out an application to try and secure a medical cannabis license has had to pay a $10,000 fee.
Although they are expected to be considering decriminalization in the near future, it might not come as early as next year, it could take longer.
There have been multiple attempts over the years to try and lessen the criminal penalties associated with cannabis possession in the state of Virginia but they've frequently failed. Hopefully soon they will make the necessary and overdue changes regarding cannabis so that people in the region will stop being arrested and having their lives ruined over a plant.
Pics:
shablon/istock via leafly
pixabay
You shine a light on the neatest developments.
Decriminalization would be a good change to make as a criminal record is just not the right result in certain states.
I grabbed a nice cbd vape for Christmas and definitely looking forward to the benefits.
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have you tried it yet? what you waiting for? :)
Oh man I had enough last night to last me a couple weeks! With this new one (cool little square thing,) I wanna recover back to normal and see how it works without a bunch of beers and joints in the mix. ;)
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thanks!:)
Do you mean legalized? Or actually decriminalized? This is so exciting if it's the latter. .....
decriminalization:)
Thanks for this information. If any of you are also interested, there is NORML and other organizations that advocate for the legalization and decriminalization of Cannabis, in any form. NORML has recently obtained a lobbyist and he's been effective at gaining contacts and sharing knowledge with members and congressmembers in DC.