If any of you think our cops and jails can be better served by not arresting people for carrying a plant, please contact your state rep! Just email using the page below.


http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14559191

NORML is pleased to announce that House Bill 1134 (View Here), which seeks to amend marijuana possession and cultivation offenses, has been pre-filed for the 2010 legislative session. This measure amends present criminal marijuana penalties in several ways.

1. The bill would reduce minor marijuana possession penalties from a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, to a civil infraction punishable by a fine-only.

2. The bill would create a rebuttable presumption that a person who grows no more than five marijuana plants grows marijuana for personal use and not for distribution, an offense punishable by a $500 civil penalty. Under present law, marijuana cultivation in any amount is classified as a felony offense, punishable by between 5 and 30 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

3. The bill removes the two-year mandatory sentence for those found guilty of the distribution of less than one ounce of marijuana. House Bill 1134 also removes the the five-year mandatory minimum sentence for those found guilty of the distribution of more than one ounce of marijuana.

4. The bill also raises the quantities necessary for punishment of possession with intent to distribute so as not to punish amounts that may be possessed for personal use.

Passage of HB 1134 would spare minor marijuana offenders from criminal arrest and incarceration, as well as the emotional and financial hardships that follow. The measure would allow also law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts to re-allocate their existing resources toward activities that will more effectively target serious criminal behavior and keep the public safe.

Please contact your state representative and urge him or her to support HB 1134. For your convenience, a pre-written letter will be e-mailed to your state House member when you enter your contact information below.

Thank you for your support of NORML's marijuana law reform efforts in Virginia.

No.

Yes.

I cant find any info on this bill, it's Bogus.

bogus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I cant find any info on this bill, it's Bogus.


http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?101+sum+HB1134

Thanks
It's NOT bogus

You really should read the text of the bill. This isn't reason to celebrate.

Possession still carries the same $500 fine it did before.

If you are found to have intent to sell or distribute, having less than 1 ounce is still a Class 1 Misdemeanor. Having between 1 ounce and 1 pound is a Class 6 Felony (instead of a Class 5). 1 pound to 5 pounds is a Class 5 Felony.

Growing more than 5 plants is viewed as having intent to sell.

There are also provisions for substance abuse assessment (where you pay for all of the costs, treatment, etc.), probation, drug testing, etc.

Minors also lose their drivers license, even if you're only subject to the civil penalty section of the bill.

So actually, I like this bill now that I've read it. It's a cleverly crafted trap. I hope it passes because it'll get a lot of people.

Support. Legalization is the ultimate goal, but for virginia, this is a step in the right direction.

I like marijuana. Marijuana is nice.

Read the bill. It is not decriminalization. It's a step to ease the burden on the legal system, but it is a huge leap from "we're not going to jail recreational users" to "grow your own, all you want, it's all legal, wooha!"

When you hear that the major tobacco companies are spinning up their marijuana crop, then you should start to celebrate.

It is partial decrim and is a step forward any way you look at it.

Currently any amount of possession first offense can lead to 30 days in jail a misdemeanor and a 500 fine (even though most can get conditional release).

If it passes simple possession will be a non arrestable offense and an infraction which is essentially a speeding ticket.

That's a major step any way you look at it.


"1. The bill would reduce minor marijuana possession penalties from a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, to a civil infraction punishable by a fine-only".


boredom Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Read the bill. It is not decriminalization. It's
> a step to ease the burden on the legal system, but
> it is a huge leap from "we're not going to jail
> recreational users" to "grow your own, all you
> want, it's all legal, wooha!"
>
> When you hear that the major tobacco companies are
> spinning up their marijuana crop, then you should
> start to celebrate.

Agreed. A step for positive change, but not nearly enough. Look at what we know about cigs. Yet these companies still manufacture and sell LEATHAL PLANTS to SMOKE even to teens whittingly or not and IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE. Why are tea manufacturers allowed to sell thier product when sold to the public in raw form has to be mixed with another deadly drug called sugar, promoting juvenile diabetes and other health problems.

I mean come the fuck on. It is a NON-PROCESSED NATURALLY OCCURING GOD-MADE PLANT.

Assholes.

Now. Will it pass?

Mofo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It is partial decrim and is a step forward any way
> you look at it.
>
> Currently any amount of possession first offense
> can lead to 30 days in jail a misdemeanor and a
> 500 fine (even though most can get conditional
> release).
>
> If it passes simple possession will be a non
> arrestable offense and an infraction which is
> essentially a speeding ticket.
>
> That's a major step any way you look at it.
>
>
> "1. The bill would reduce minor marijuana
> possession penalties from a criminal misdemeanor,
> punishable by up to 30 days in jail, to a civil
> infraction punishable by a fine-only".

The civil penalty section, 18.2-250.1 clearly states "Possession of Marijuana is unlawful". It isn't decriminalization (partial or otherwise) at all.

In any event, the section you quoted is misleading and is a good example of why lawyers are absolutely necessary. Even in cases of civil violation there are additional penalties.

Section (18.2-259.1. Forfeiture of driver's license for violations of article.) includes additional penalties for minors even in cases of civil violations.

Section (18.2-308.1:5. Purchase or transportation of firearm by persons convicted of certain drug offenses prohibited.) states that any person who within a 36 consecutive month period is guilty of two misdemeanor *OR* two civil violations will be ineligible to purchase or transport a handgun for a period of five years from the date of the second offense provided they don't commit more offenses.

So if you happen to own a handgun already, you can't take it outside of your home to a gun range, if you change residencies you have to have someone else transport it, etc. The part where that gets sticky is that there is already a federal law governing the transport of firearms, so it may be that you can transport it, but only once you've left Virginia. Dunno.

Plus, and this may be my lack of knowledge given that I haven't grown or smoke marijuana, but the limit of 5 plants. Is that a realistic limitation or one that you basically have to violate to make growing your own worth the effort?

Anyway, this bill may pass because it doesn't really change much.

That's a little of the change we sook Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I mean come the fuck on. It is a NON-PROCESSED
> NATURALLY OCCURING GOD-MADE PLANT.

yeah! i mean, if it's natural it cant be bad! im sure the hype around the amanita virosa mushrooms is a big lie!

feel free to smoke any of these plants: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Poisonous_plants


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/18/2010 08:47AM by Gravis.

So your implying SUGAR is NOT BAD for you?
That might explain all the hype around the Krispy Kreme donut section.

With this theory, we must implement sugar prohibition.
We wouldn't want all those fat lazy fucks that lay around playing World Of WarCraft everday eating Peanut Butter sandwiches, to not live long productive lives consisting of continually adding to the diameter of thier spare tire and never getting a haircut.

And your an asswad for comparing a known "poisonous" mushroom, not even a halucinagenic strain, to a mild, mood altering, NATURALLY OCCURING NON-PROCESSED GOD-MADE PLANT.

If it wasnt so expensive you could make a nice steeped "Pot" of HERBAL TEA, with it. So feel free to put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Okay, Shut up now. Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So your implying SUGAR is NOT BAD for you?
> That might explain all the hype around the Krispy
> Kreme donut section.
>
> With this theory, we must implement sugar
> prohibition.
> We wouldn't want all those fat lazy fucks that lay
> around playing World Of WarCraft everday eating
> Peanut Butter sandwiches, to not live long
> productive lives consisting of continually adding
> to the diameter of thier spare tire and never
> getting a haircut.
>
> And your an asswad for comparing a known
> "poisonous" mushroom, not even a halucinagenic
> strain, to a mild, mood altering, NATURALLY
> OCCURING NON-PROCESSED GOD-MADE PLANT.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/18/2010 09:35AM by Gravis.

Marijuana is bad for your lungs and your brain. I do not support the use of marijuana.

SMOKE WEED!!!!!!!EVERY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Support HB 1134 -Decriminalization of marijuana possession in VA!!! new
Posted by: ffxstoner ()
Date: January 18, 2010 07:52PM


Marijuana is bad for your lungs and your brain. I do not support the use of marijuana.


lol

---------------------------------------------------
W.W.S.D. what would Scooby Doo

Beer is bad for your gut and liver but damn is it tasty.

Vaporize weed and it's fine for your lungs.

"WEED IS BAD FOR YOUR BRAIN AND YOUR LUNGS"
LOL...DUDE...serioulsy...do your own research and stop watching reefer madness...serioulsy...go do some home work then come back and chat...Just because the government says its bad doesnt mean it is...Google what doctors have to say about it...not 1..NOT 1 case of cancer has EVER been recorded, but if you dont feel like looking it up...just VAPORIZE it...might as well look that one up to...

When will we know if it passes or not? When do they vote on these bills? Does anyone know? Thanks.

Mofo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Vaporize weed and it's fine for your lungs.



please tell me you werent serious.


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

WHEN DO THEY VOTE ON THESE 2 BILLS??? ANYONE?

I am writing my Representative about HB 2239, it lowers the penalties to a misdemeanor for possesion of PCP and rock cocaine. There are plenty of regular recreational users of PCP and rock cocaine who are productive, responsible members of our community and do not deserve to be treated like common criminals.
Stop this fascist oppression of our rights now.

Gravis, please tell me you weren't serious, when you asked if he was serious.
Vape IS the safest "smoking" method, although its not smoke its vapor meaning no carbon monoxide from combustion. Also people that vape swear that vapor is capable of carrying WAY more THC per cubic centimeter then smoke.

No TAR also.

Come On Now Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gravis, please tell me you weren't serious, when
> you asked if he was serious.
> Vape IS the safest "smoking" method, although its
> not smoke its vapor meaning no carbon monoxide
> from combustion. Also people that vape swear that
> vapor is capable of carrying WAY more THC per
> cubic centimeter then smoke.


yeah cause everytime i smoke i worry about which apparatus will deliver more THC per cubic centimeter. also everytime i VAPED i did not feel as high as if i were to smoke a blunt or bong

ScienceDaily (May 16, 2007) — A smokeless cannabis-vaporizing device delivers the same level of active therapeutic chemical and produces the same biological effect as smoking cannabis, but without the harmful toxins, according to University of California San Francisco researchers.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070515151145.htm


Gravis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mofo Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Vaporize weed and it's fine for your lungs.
>
>
>
> please tell me you werent serious.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2010 09:51PM by Mofo.

The cubic centimeter pRt was a joke. :)

Mofo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> ScienceDaily (May 16, 2007) — A smokeless
> cannabis-vaporizing device delivers the same level
> of active therapeutic chemical and produces the
> same biological effect as smoking cannabis, but
> without the harmful toxins, according to
> University of California San Francisco
> researchers.

but you left out the title: "Marijuana Vaporizer Provides Same Level Of THC, Fewer Toxins, Study Shows"


"the wisdom of the wise will perish, the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish."

Come on Gravis.
Do you live in a bubble?
You are aware that the AIR we breath has toxins right?
These lower levels are comparable to the lower levels of Xray scatter for our new body scanners at airports.
Quote un-quote "Negligable"

WHEN WILL THEY VOTE ON HB 1134 and HB 1136? I know someone knows the answer to thi simple question? Come on dudes...girls, cats dogs, i dont care who answers the question....just answer it...and if you do answer it, i swear...... i will love you long time and forever.. Scouts honor. When will the masses be set free from big brother? ANYONE? ANYONE? I know your out there....Talk to me...come on..you can do it... talk! TALK! Speak your peace.... Tell one tell all...WHEN WILL THE BILL PASS OR FAIL? WHEN WILL THEY VOTE ON THIS COOL MATTER.... GO POT! Pot is COOL. DONT BE A TOOL...POT IS COOL.

You haven't heard?
They just voted.
Pot is legal, and cool.
Happy smoking!
:)

Cannabis Sativa Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You haven't heard?
> They just voted.
> Pot is legal, and cool.
> Happy smoking!
> :)
Well to be honest... I, like everyone else will continue to use marijuana, anytime and anywhere i choose to... But i do hope that both Bills pass...but either way...Ill be burnin and growin if thats what i so chose to do...If i only knew how to grow marijuana then i would be smoking alot more...NOW...WHEN DO THESE ASSHOLES VOTE ON THESE TWO MATTERS...??? ANYONE WITH A LOGICAL ANSWER OTHER THAN..THEY JUST PASSED IT...ITS LEGAL>...douche.

Please support HB 1134 to decriminalize marijuana and HB 1136 to allow cannabs available in prescription for medical purposes. New jersey and Virginia both just elected Republican senators. New Jersey has just decriminalized. Follow the rising trend and help cannabis as a medication become fair trade so we can keep pot dealing drug czars and their despicable products out of our state. Take down the Mexican pot drug lords by circulating U.S. grown cannabis.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/13/2015 10:07AM by WingNut.

The argument can get tired to you all you want, but that still doesn't change the fact that the current laws are complete bullshit.
Alcohol was illegal at one time also.

Who even smokes marijuana anymore? There are much better things out there like hash oil, amber, buder, bho and other forms of THC that do not include any plant matter at all. And if you vape you have no toxins to worry about in the first place. And HELLO!!! space cakes.... you dont even smoke ANYTHING!

Although these bills are just to ease the strain on the already overcrowded jail (trust me I just got out), and court system. They are a huge step in the right direction to legal recreational use of the herb. Seriously, 1/2 is felony dist.... that means any high school student with $100 can be considered a drug dealer. WTF!! is that.

Furthermore, it is a personal right to do to your body what you want, as long as nobody else is greatly affected by what you do. Ex: you can drive you a bar get drunk and kill someone driving home. However, you can not sit on your couch smoke a bowl and order pizza without being harassed as a menace to society.

After just getting out of jail for felony distribution I know that we NEED to change our laws. There are too many people in there for possession and small time distribution, people who are spending 6 months or more in jail. WHEN AT THE SAME TIME THERE ARE 3 AND 4 TIME CONVICTED DRUNK DRIVERS WHO ONLY SPEND A WEEK IN JAIL. Think about this people, do you want a drunk driver out driving in the car next to you, or would you rather have a marijuana toker walking down the sidewalk with his dog. Who do you want in jail?

smokeathome Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Furthermore, it is a personal right to do to your
> body what you want, as long as nobody else is
> greatly affected by what you do. Ex: you can drive
> you a bar get drunk and kill someone driving home.
> However, you can not sit on your couch smoke a
> bowl and order pizza without being harassed as a
> menace to society.

+1000000000

I didn't even know about 1136. I think that has a smaller chance than 1134 but both have a slim chance.

One can only hope...

It looks like DC will open 5 dispensaries soon.

14 States now have medical.

Update, looks like both are dead in the water.

To be killed by D Albo of Fairfax no less.

“I’m going to kill that in about a millisecond in my committee,” said Del. David Albo, a Fairfax County Republican who chairs the House Courts of Justice Committee.

Kill the evil plant!!!!!!! This is a tobacco state for God's sake, another smoke able plant can't be allowed.

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/01/marijuana-bill-gets-hearing-lawmaker-says-it-wont-fly



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/20/2010 07:37PM by Mofo.

When you consider that the biggest lobbyists for keeping this wonderfully dynamic plant illegal are A) TOBACCO COs, and B) ALCOHOL COs (see the film, American Drug War), it should make more sense (pun!) that a tobacco state would diligently try to keep it out...let's see: the ledger of "sane" state legislatures that have approved med...hmmmm...none of them grow tobacco. It's called equity, and it's called the Feds changing their stance, thereby making Albo look more like Dumbo. Keep faith folks. This is the crack in the concrete ceiling we've been waiting 40+ years for, and as Ben Franklin told us, a small crack can sink a big ship. The ship will eventually sink, and we'll eventually be able to smoke without worrying about our bosses or John Q. Law infringing on your right to control your body. Until then, freedom simply doesn't exist in the USA.

And to the person above who said he didn't know how to grow it...um, here's what you need for basic growth: soil, light, warmth, water, and food. it's an incredibly resilient, hardy plant that can adapt to many different conditions and still produce weed that's likely cleaner and as potent as what your dealer is selling you, regardless of how you ingest it. i've beat plants up and down before, and they still produce good buds that were free. i've always said that i'd be willing to pay $2-3,000 for a cultivation license, which, if 10,000 of us paid, shucks...that's $30 million right there for a state that's struggling for cash. i would assume everybody on this board's local school system is getting its financial throat slashed right now, schools closing, et al, but we're ignoring this???? classic VA politics.

Cannabis Sativa Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You haven't heard?
> They just voted.
> Pot is legal, and cool.
> Happy smoking!
> :)

They haven't voted. The bill doesn't legalize marijuana use.

That's a little of the change we took Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Agreed. A step for positive change, but not nearly
> enough. Look at what we know about cigs. Yet
> these companies still manufacture and sell LETHAL
> PLANTS to SMOKE even to teens willingly or not
> and IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE. Why are tea
> manufacturers allowed to sell their product when
> sold to the public in raw form has to be mixed
> with another deadly drug called sugar, promoting
> juvenile diabetes and other health problems.
>
> I mean come the fuck on. It is a NON-PROCESSED
> NATURALLY OCCURING GOD-MADE PLANT.
>
> Assholes.
>
> Now. Will it pass?

I am all for it. But David Albo is not. Why? Because like that useless law he pushed through a few years heavily fining VA traffice violators - he represents the minor league of drug users as well as the DUI/traffic offenders. So, while its an invasion of his livlihood and he is not going let this pass.

Legalize it! Its one of God's gifts to the world!!

Ryan Pate
mobius11111@yahoo.com

send that message for me man!

smokeathome Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Furthermore, it is a personal right to do to your
> body what you want, as long as nobody else is
> greatly affected by what you do. Ex: you can drive
> you a bar get drunk and kill someone driving home.
> However, you can not sit on your couch smoke a
> bowl and order pizza without being harassed as a
> menace to society.

Correct, you do have every right to fuck yourself up all you want. Given that you're all about acknowledging rights, you also have to acknowledge that society also has every right to punish you for your actions.

The door swings both ways.

> After just getting out of jail for felony
> distribution

Wow. Another convincted felon proclaiming how his drug of choice isn't that harmful and should be legalized due to the unfairness of the situation. How original.

I will agree with you that our legal system has very unbalanced punishments. I can beat the shit out of someone and be out of jail in a day on bail, but a guy who fails to pay alimony is locked away until he ponies up *all* of the money he owes.

I'll also agree that in the grand scheme, marijuana is not as harmful as other drugs, and that the amounts needed to be legally seen as a "dealer" can be absurdly small.

The way for marijuana to become legal is for you to step back and avoid preaching about the injustice done to you. You sir, are the marijuana equivalent of a gay man in assless chaps with nipple rings attending a gay rights rally. Your presence will do nothing positive for the cause. You can't even help vote into office a senator sympathetic to your cause given that you're a felon who lost his right to vote.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/21/2010 11:05PM by boredom.

The cultivation law on the books as far as the actual statute reads says that a person cannot be convicted for cultivation when its personal use amounts.

All i can say is thank you. i love virginia for this.

lol
Attachments:

alex b Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> All i can say is thank you. i love virginia for
> this.

For what? The bill died yesterday. =P

http://www.wydaily.com/local-news/3803-house-subcommittee-nixes-medical-marijuana-bill.html

Idiot Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> alex b Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > All i can say is thank you. i love virginia for
> > this.
>
> For what? The bill died yesterday. =P
>
> http://www.wydaily.com/local-news/3803-house-subco
> mmittee-nixes-medical-marijuana-bill.html
Attachments: