Virginia 2023 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SB1090

Introduced
1/9/23  
Refer
1/9/23  
Report Pass
2/2/23  
Engrossed
2/7/23  

Caption

Pharmaceutical processor or cannabis dispensing facility; increases number of permits issued.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws pertaining to the regulation and operation of cannabis-related businesses. It allows for greater flexibility in the number of dispensaries that can be opened while ensuring that these facilities meet stringent regulatory standards, such as employing licensed pharmacists and undergoing regular inspections. Additionally, the establishment of increased quality controls for cannabis testing is mandated, which aims to ensure that products available to consumers are safe and effective.

Summary

SB1090 amends regulations concerning pharmaceutical processors and cannabis dispensing facilities in Virginia, primarily increasing the number of permits that can be issued for such establishments. The bill permits each licensed pharmaceutical processor to establish up to five cannabis dispensing facilities within the same health service area, thereby expanding access to cannabis products for patients. Furthermore, the legislation stipulates specific qualifications that individuals must meet to hold these permits, emphasizing ownership by qualifying hemp processors or growers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1090 is largely supportive among proponents who view the bill as a positive step towards expanding access to necessary medicinal products. Nevertheless, concerns were raised by certain stakeholders regarding the potential for increased commercialization of cannabis, and whether regulations are stringent enough to prevent issues like diversion or misuse. This has led to some contention, with arguments on both sides regarding the balance of accessibility versus regulation.

Contention

Notably, points of contention include the requirements for permit issuance, particularly the focus on prior registration and ownership stakes by established hemp processors. Critics worry that these stipulations may limit participation from new entities without a proven track record in the industry, potentially stifling competition. Additionally, there are concerns about the adequacy of certain regulations to genuinely ensure safety and prevent illegal activity, invoking a rigorous debate about the nuances of regulating emerging cannabis markets.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA HB1989

Medical cannabis program; changes requirements for product labels, dispensing cannabis products.

VA A08956

Permits the compounding, dispensing and sale of veterinary-specific pharmaceuticals to veterinarians by pharmacists.

VA SB72

Medical Cannabis Commission; process for selecting integrated facility licenses revised, appeals process of commission determinations revised, number of integrated facility licenses to be issued increased

VA SB49

Establishing the Cannabis Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for permits and for dispensing cannabis to patients and caregivers; and making repeals.

VA HB391

Medical cannabis program; product labels, delivery, marijuana delivery operators.

VA S02314

Permits the compounding, dispensing and sale of pharmaceuticals to veterinarians.

VA HB391

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 4.1-1600, 4.1-1602, and 4.1-1603 of the Code of Virginia, relating to medical cannabis program; product labels; delivery.

VA HB07179

An Act Concerning Pharmaceutical Marketing And Pharmaceuticals.

VA HB642

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-2499.8, 2.2-2818, 2.2-2905, 2.2-3114, 2.2-3711, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 2.2-3802, 2.2-4024, 3.2-4112, 3.2-4113, 3.2-4116, 3.2-4126, 3.2-5145.1, 3.2-5145.2:1, 3.2-5145.4, 4.1-103, 4.1-105, 4.1-352, 4.1-600, 4.1-601, 4.1-603, 4.1-604, 4.1-606, 4.1-607, 4.1-611, 4.1-614, 4.1-621, 4.1-1100, 4.1-1101, 4.1-1121, 4.1-1402, 4.1-1500, 4.1-1501, 4.1-1502, 4.1-1600 through 4.1-1603.2, 4.1-1604, 5.1-13, 9.1-1101, 15.2-912.4, 16.1-69.40:1, 16.1-260, 16.1-273, 16.1-278.9, 18.2-46.1, 18.2-247, 18.2-248, 18.2-248.01, 18.2-251, 18.2-251.03, 18.2-251.1:1, 18.2-251.1:2, 18.2-251.1:3, 18.2-252, 18.2-254, 18.2-255, 18.2-255.1, 18.2-255.2, 18.2-258, 18.2-258.02, 18.2-258.1, 18.2-265.1, 18.2-265.2, 18.2-265.3, 18.2-287.2, 18.2-308.012, 18.2-308.4, 18.2-371.2, 18.2-460, 18.2-474.1, 19.2-66, 19.2-81, 19.2-81.1, 19.2-83.1, 19.2-188.1, 19.2-303.01, 19.2-386.22 through 19.2-386.25, 19.2-389, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 19.2-389.3, 19.2-392.02, 19.2-392.6 and 19.2-392.12:1, as they shall become effective, 22.1-206, 22.1-277.08, 23.1-1301, 46.2-105.2, 46.2-347, 48-17.1, 53.1-231.2, 54.1-2903, 54.1-3401, 54.1-3443, 58.1-301, and 59.1-200 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Subtitle II of Title 2.2 a part labeled D, containing a chapter numbered 61, consisting of a section numbered 2.2-6100, by adding in Chapter 6 of Title 4.1 sections numbered 4.1-629 and 4.1-630, by adding in Title 4.1 chapters numbered 7 through 10, consisting of sections numbered 4.1-700 through 4.1-1010, by adding sections numbered 4.1-1102 through 4.1-1105, 4.1-1106, 4.1-1106.1, 4.1-1113, 4.1-1114, 4.1-1115, 4.1-1117, 4.1-1118, and 4.1-1119, by adding in Title 4.1 a chapter numbered 12, consisting of sections numbered 4.1-1200 through 4.1-1206, by adding in Chapter 13 of Title 4.1 sections numbered 4.1-1300, 4.1-1301, and 4.1-1303 through 4.1-1309, by adding in Chapter 14 of Title 4.1 sections numbered 4.1-1403 through 4.1-1407, by adding a section numbered 4.1-1602.1, by adding in Title 4.1 a chapter numbered 17, consisting of sections numbered 4.1-1700 through 4.1-1705, by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Title 6.2 a section numbered 6.2-108, and by adding in Chapter 44 of Title 54.1 a section numbered 54.1-4426; and to repeal Article 4 (§§ 3.2-4122 through 3.2-4126) of Chapter 41.1 of Title 3.2 and §§ 3.2-5145.4:1, 4.1-1101.1, 4.1-1105.1, 18.2-248.1, and 18.2-251.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to cannabis control; retail market; penalties.

VA HB642

Cannabis control; establishes framework for creation of retail marijuana market, penalties, report.

Similar Bills

VA HB1989

Medical cannabis program; changes requirements for product labels, dispensing cannabis products.

VA HB391

Medical cannabis program; product labels, delivery, marijuana delivery operators.

VA HB391

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 4.1-1600, 4.1-1602, and 4.1-1603 of the Code of Virginia, relating to medical cannabis program; product labels; delivery.

AR HB1620

To Amend The Law Concerning Pharmacy Benefits Managers; And To Regulate Processing And Payment Of Pharmacy Claims.

VA SB543

Marijuana and hemp products; enforcement.

UT SB0045

Kratom Adjustments

VA SB542

Cannabis control; establishes framework for creation of retail marijuana market, penalties, report.