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Fairfax Underground
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Virginia's marijuana study should lead to legalization, but citizens must weigh in to make it count
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Got Freedom?Legalize Cannabis VA
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Date: August 01, 2017 02:38AM
"Do not allow this study to be another useless exercise. This is an opportunity the commonwealth shouldn’t squander," writes The Virginian-Pilot Editorial Board. We agree. Submit your public comment now using this link: http://act.norml.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=20955
https://pilotonline.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-virginia-s-marijuana-study-should-lead-to-legalization-but/article_e912b0f8-7712-505d-b357-98545311e726.html
VIRGINIA LAWMAKERS love nothing more than commissioning studies. It has to rank among their favorite pastimes.
Sometimes, those studies help to provide direction on a particularly tricky issue, in which case the exercise is a worthwhile endeavor. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, for instance, does exhaustive research, and its reports impart nuanced understanding of a given topic.
Other times, however, lawmakers assign something to be examined as a way of avoiding a complicated or politically difficult decision. Doing so has all the appearances of actual action without any of the effects — or any of the responsibility.
It’s too early to yet know into which category the commonwealth’s marijuana study will end up, but residents can help make sure it’s the former rather than the latter.
In November, state Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. “Tommy” Norment Jr., a James City County Republican and one of the most powerful elected officials in Virginia, caused a stir when he came out in favor of decriminalization.
“I think it’s absolutely crazy that we continue to lock people up for possession of a modest amount of marijuana,” he said. “We are tough on crime. It’s a question of what crimes we want to be tough on.”
Norment was speaking that evening at a Norfolk City Council dinner at the Slover Library, as members discussed their legislative priorities for the coming year.
Councilman Paul Riddick had endorsed decriminalizing pot possession a few months earlier and found his colleagues in the same camp. In fact, the city has plenty of activists calling for leniency when it comes to marijuana, and their work helped the issue gain traction.
But winning Norment’s support was a game changer. The Senate majority leader had earlier that year rejected a decriminalization bill, but said he had a change of heart from his legal work and was open to studying the issue.
In April, the State Crime Commission — of which Norment is a member — agreed to proceed with that undertaking.
As part of its study, the crime commission has invited residents to comment on whether Virginia should decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, saying it will do so in lieu of meeting with every stakeholder on the issue.
Written comments and “any other information/materials relevant to this study” can be emailed to vsccinfo@vscc.virginia.gov or mailed to the SCC offices at 1111 E. Broad St., Suite B036, Richmond VA 23219. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Aug. 25.
Residents should do so, because this is Virginia’s best chance to make the study a call to action rather than an excuse to do nothing.
Arresting and incarcerating people for simple possession is a wasteful, harmful policy that disproportionately affects minorities and the poor. Countless studies show that marijuana can be used safely, responsibly and medicinally for a host of illnesses.
And while decriminalization would help, it’s not nearly far enough.
A 2016 Tax Foundation study says, “A mature marijuana industry could generate up to $28 billion in tax revenues for federal, state, and local governments, including $7 billion in federal revenue: $5.5 billion from business taxes and $1.5 billion from income and payroll taxes.”
States such as Colorado and Washington have successfully opened this revenue stream and are reaping the rewards. So too will the first state in the South to legalize marijuana, to allow for its regulated sale and to collect taxes on it.
The drug remains illegal on the federal level — a wrong-headed policy unlikely to change under this administration — but Virginia should position itself for the future. This could be an important step, but citizens must weigh in to make it count.
Do not allow this study to be another useless exercise. This is an opportunity the commonwealth shouldn’t squander.
Virginia: Tell The Crime Commission to Decriminalize Marijuana
Members of the Virginia State Crime Commission are seeking written comments from the public regarding the topic of decriminalizing marijuana possession. Under current Virginia law, the possession of one-half ounce of cannabis or less is classified as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
The commission is studying the issue at the request of Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment, who tasked members to "undertake a study examining a future change to the Code of Virginia regarding criminal penalties related to the possession of small amounts of marijuana." The procedurally required study will be completed October 5 in preparation for the 2018 legislative session.
Members of the public may submit comments until August 25, 2017. The commission's findings will be presented on October 5.
Specifically, the study may examine:
Consequences experienced by any state that has changed the emphasis of its laws regarding possession of small amounts of marijuana from criminal to civil penalties.
Contemporary research related to marijuana and its effects on users, especially any studies indicating a correlation between its usage and that of opioids or illegal stimulants (methamphetamine and cocaine) as a possible “gateway” drug.
The status and strength of current Virginia law related to driving under the influence of marijuana, and the efficacy of existing available technology related to the detection of such use that is admissible in criminal proceedings.
Requirements by the federal government and its agencies related to the Commonwealth’s laws and enforcement of criminal penalties for marijuana possession, including any potential ramifications to the Commonwealth if its laws were in conflict with current federal statutes and regulations related to marijuana enforcement.
If states that have decriminalized possession of marijuana continue to criminalize it on second or third offenses.
The number of Virginians arrested for violating the state's marijuana possession laws rose 76 percent between 2003 and 2014. In 2010, 88.3% of all marijuana offenses were for marijuana possession (18,756 out of 21,231). Minor marijuana possession violators, many of them young, first-time offenders, should not be punished with a lifelong criminal conviction.
In line with changes in other states, the majority of Virginians (78%) support reducing the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana to a fine instead of a misdemeanor conviction.
Please use the prewritten letter below to contact the Crime Commission and urge them to support decriminalization in Virginia.
Be Smart, Decriminalize Marijuana Possession in Virginia
I’m writing to urge you to consider the benefits of marijuana decriminalization in Virginia. Under current law, the possession of one-half ounce of cannabis or less is classified as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. This punishment does not fit the crime.
From 2001 to 2010, the percent change in total arrest rate in Virginia for marijuana increased by 31.7%, making Virginia the state with the 8th largest percent increase in marijuana possession arrests. In 2010, Virginia ranked 12th for the highest number of arrests for marijuana possession (18,756).
Virginia spent $67,244,864 on marijuana possession enforcement in 2010. The time and money spent arresting and processing minor marijuana offenders is time and money that could be used to protect the public from real criminal activity. Decriminalization allows law enforcement and the courts to re-prioritize their limited resources toward addressing more serious crimes.
Additionally, Over 60 percent of American adults have tried cannabis, according to data compiled by the US Centers for Disease Control. Statistically, the overwhelming majority of these individuals never go on to try another illicit substance.
In line with changes in other states, the majority of Virginians (78%) support reducing the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana to a fine instead of a misdemeanor conviction.
Minor marijuana possession violators, many of them young, first-time offenders, should not be punished with a lifelong criminal conviction. I urge you and your colleagues to support decriminalization.
#TakeAction Got Freedom? http://act.norml.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=20955
Action Alert List - Find Your Elected Officials
Virginia: Tell The Crime Commission to Decriminalize Marijuana - http://act.norml.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=20955
CANNABIS FREEDOM COMING HERE SHORTLY TO VIRGINIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LIKE/FOLLOW VIRGINIA NORML
https://www.facebook.com/vanorml
LIKE/FOLLOW NOVA NORML
https://www.facebook.com/novanorml
LIKE/FOLLOW NORML
https://www.facebook.com/norml
NORML - working hard to legalize the responsible adult use of cannabis in virginia!
'' The Revolution Continues...''
https://pilotonline.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-virginia-s-marijuana-study-should-lead-to-legalization-but/article_e912b0f8-7712-505d-b357-98545311e726.html
VIRGINIA LAWMAKERS love nothing more than commissioning studies. It has to rank among their favorite pastimes.
Sometimes, those studies help to provide direction on a particularly tricky issue, in which case the exercise is a worthwhile endeavor. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, for instance, does exhaustive research, and its reports impart nuanced understanding of a given topic.
Other times, however, lawmakers assign something to be examined as a way of avoiding a complicated or politically difficult decision. Doing so has all the appearances of actual action without any of the effects — or any of the responsibility.
It’s too early to yet know into which category the commonwealth’s marijuana study will end up, but residents can help make sure it’s the former rather than the latter.
In November, state Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. “Tommy” Norment Jr., a James City County Republican and one of the most powerful elected officials in Virginia, caused a stir when he came out in favor of decriminalization.
“I think it’s absolutely crazy that we continue to lock people up for possession of a modest amount of marijuana,” he said. “We are tough on crime. It’s a question of what crimes we want to be tough on.”
Norment was speaking that evening at a Norfolk City Council dinner at the Slover Library, as members discussed their legislative priorities for the coming year.
Councilman Paul Riddick had endorsed decriminalizing pot possession a few months earlier and found his colleagues in the same camp. In fact, the city has plenty of activists calling for leniency when it comes to marijuana, and their work helped the issue gain traction.
But winning Norment’s support was a game changer. The Senate majority leader had earlier that year rejected a decriminalization bill, but said he had a change of heart from his legal work and was open to studying the issue.
In April, the State Crime Commission — of which Norment is a member — agreed to proceed with that undertaking.
As part of its study, the crime commission has invited residents to comment on whether Virginia should decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, saying it will do so in lieu of meeting with every stakeholder on the issue.
Written comments and “any other information/materials relevant to this study” can be emailed to vsccinfo@vscc.virginia.gov or mailed to the SCC offices at 1111 E. Broad St., Suite B036, Richmond VA 23219. All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Aug. 25.
Residents should do so, because this is Virginia’s best chance to make the study a call to action rather than an excuse to do nothing.
Arresting and incarcerating people for simple possession is a wasteful, harmful policy that disproportionately affects minorities and the poor. Countless studies show that marijuana can be used safely, responsibly and medicinally for a host of illnesses.
And while decriminalization would help, it’s not nearly far enough.
A 2016 Tax Foundation study says, “A mature marijuana industry could generate up to $28 billion in tax revenues for federal, state, and local governments, including $7 billion in federal revenue: $5.5 billion from business taxes and $1.5 billion from income and payroll taxes.”
States such as Colorado and Washington have successfully opened this revenue stream and are reaping the rewards. So too will the first state in the South to legalize marijuana, to allow for its regulated sale and to collect taxes on it.
The drug remains illegal on the federal level — a wrong-headed policy unlikely to change under this administration — but Virginia should position itself for the future. This could be an important step, but citizens must weigh in to make it count.
Do not allow this study to be another useless exercise. This is an opportunity the commonwealth shouldn’t squander.
Virginia: Tell The Crime Commission to Decriminalize Marijuana
Members of the Virginia State Crime Commission are seeking written comments from the public regarding the topic of decriminalizing marijuana possession. Under current Virginia law, the possession of one-half ounce of cannabis or less is classified as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
The commission is studying the issue at the request of Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment, who tasked members to "undertake a study examining a future change to the Code of Virginia regarding criminal penalties related to the possession of small amounts of marijuana." The procedurally required study will be completed October 5 in preparation for the 2018 legislative session.
Members of the public may submit comments until August 25, 2017. The commission's findings will be presented on October 5.
Specifically, the study may examine:
Consequences experienced by any state that has changed the emphasis of its laws regarding possession of small amounts of marijuana from criminal to civil penalties.
Contemporary research related to marijuana and its effects on users, especially any studies indicating a correlation between its usage and that of opioids or illegal stimulants (methamphetamine and cocaine) as a possible “gateway” drug.
The status and strength of current Virginia law related to driving under the influence of marijuana, and the efficacy of existing available technology related to the detection of such use that is admissible in criminal proceedings.
Requirements by the federal government and its agencies related to the Commonwealth’s laws and enforcement of criminal penalties for marijuana possession, including any potential ramifications to the Commonwealth if its laws were in conflict with current federal statutes and regulations related to marijuana enforcement.
If states that have decriminalized possession of marijuana continue to criminalize it on second or third offenses.
The number of Virginians arrested for violating the state's marijuana possession laws rose 76 percent between 2003 and 2014. In 2010, 88.3% of all marijuana offenses were for marijuana possession (18,756 out of 21,231). Minor marijuana possession violators, many of them young, first-time offenders, should not be punished with a lifelong criminal conviction.
In line with changes in other states, the majority of Virginians (78%) support reducing the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana to a fine instead of a misdemeanor conviction.
Please use the prewritten letter below to contact the Crime Commission and urge them to support decriminalization in Virginia.
Be Smart, Decriminalize Marijuana Possession in Virginia
I’m writing to urge you to consider the benefits of marijuana decriminalization in Virginia. Under current law, the possession of one-half ounce of cannabis or less is classified as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. This punishment does not fit the crime.
From 2001 to 2010, the percent change in total arrest rate in Virginia for marijuana increased by 31.7%, making Virginia the state with the 8th largest percent increase in marijuana possession arrests. In 2010, Virginia ranked 12th for the highest number of arrests for marijuana possession (18,756).
Virginia spent $67,244,864 on marijuana possession enforcement in 2010. The time and money spent arresting and processing minor marijuana offenders is time and money that could be used to protect the public from real criminal activity. Decriminalization allows law enforcement and the courts to re-prioritize their limited resources toward addressing more serious crimes.
Additionally, Over 60 percent of American adults have tried cannabis, according to data compiled by the US Centers for Disease Control. Statistically, the overwhelming majority of these individuals never go on to try another illicit substance.
In line with changes in other states, the majority of Virginians (78%) support reducing the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana to a fine instead of a misdemeanor conviction.
Minor marijuana possession violators, many of them young, first-time offenders, should not be punished with a lifelong criminal conviction. I urge you and your colleagues to support decriminalization.
#TakeAction Got Freedom? http://act.norml.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=20955
Action Alert List - Find Your Elected Officials
Virginia: Tell The Crime Commission to Decriminalize Marijuana - http://act.norml.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=20955
CANNABIS FREEDOM COMING HERE SHORTLY TO VIRGINIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LIKE/FOLLOW VIRGINIA NORML
https://www.facebook.com/vanorml
LIKE/FOLLOW NOVA NORML
https://www.facebook.com/novanorml
LIKE/FOLLOW NORML
https://www.facebook.com/norml
NORML - working hard to legalize the responsible adult use of cannabis in virginia!
'' The Revolution Continues...''