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Virginia Pushes for More Medical Cannabis Access

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[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]M[/dropcap]edical cannabis supporters in Virginia are voicing their desire for access to medical cannabis and for the legalization of the plant, even as legislators are considering expanding the state’s cannabis program.

Medical cannabis consumers, medical practitioners and attorneys were among those who attended the three-day Virginia 2019 Cannabis Conference, organized by the Virginia chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

“Although I’m not new to the world of cannabis, I’m brand new to the world of cannabis reform,” said event speaker Melanie Seifert Davis, who treats her daughter with cannabis for her cancer and seizures. “Today and for every tomorrow I’m given, I will fill seven capsules with high doses of four different cannabis medications and watch as Madison swallows each one. Science, research and experience in my heart all know that it can and will and has helped her.”

During his State of the Commonwealth speech last week, Gov. Ralph Northam called for decriminalizing possession of small amounts of cannabis.“We want to keep people safe. But we shouldn’t use valuable law enforcement time, or costly prison space, on laws that don’t enhance public safety,” Northam said in the speech. “Current law imposes a maximum 30 days in jail for a first offense of marijuana possession. So I’m proposing that we decriminalize simple possession of marijuana.”

HB-2371, introduced by Del. Steve Heretick, and HB-2373, introduced by Del. Lee Carter, both offer would legalize recreational cannabis use for those 21 and over.

“The time has come for adults to have the freedom to decide for themselves whether or not to consume marijuana in the privacy of their homes,” said Heretick in a press release. Heretick has introduced cannabis decriminalization bills every session since he was elected in 2015. “This is a good product that is a result of many months of careful consideration that included consultation with prosecutors and law enforcement across the state.”

 

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