Virginia 2023 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SB391

Introduced
1/11/22  
Refer
1/11/22  
Report Pass
2/4/22  
Report Pass
2/10/22  
Engrossed
2/14/22  
Engrossed
2/15/22  
Engrossed
2/15/22  

Caption

Cannabis control; retail market.

Impact

The introduction of SB391 is expected to significantly alter existing state laws relating to cannabis use and sales. By allowing registered pharmaceutical processors and industrial hemp processors to sell cannabis directly to consumers, the bill aims to create a legal retail market that could help reduce black market operations. Moreover, the bill includes provisions for the compassionate release of certain incarcerated individuals who might benefit from modifications to their sentences based on new cannabis laws, thereby influencing criminal justice practices in the state.

Summary

SB391 proposes a framework for the regulation of cannabis sales and related activities within Virginia, focusing primarily on establishing a retail market for marijuana. The bill outlines licensing requirements for pharmaceutical processors and industrial hemp processors, enabling them to sell cannabis products without requiring a written certification for individuals aged 21 years or older. It also assigns oversight responsibilities to the newly established Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, which is tasked with promulgating regulations to ensure safe and responsible cannabis sales, cultivation, and distribution practices.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding SB391 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the bill represents a progressive step towards acknowledging and regulating cannabis use responsibly, promoting economic growth through the establishment of a legal retail market. However, opponents express concern regarding potential public health implications and the regulation's effectiveness. There is also a degree of apprehension about maintaining equity in the new market, particularly regarding access for historically marginalized communities, which the bill attempts to address through social equity initiatives.

Contention

Opposition to SB391 mainly revolves around concerns regarding public health and safety, as well as the effectiveness of the regulatory framework proposed for the cannabis industry. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups worry that the bill does not adequately address the risks associated with increased accessibility to cannabis, especially for minors. Additionally, debates highlight the need for stringent regulations surrounding the marketing and sale of cannabis products to protect vulnerable populations, raising questions about compliance and oversight within the proposed framework.

Companion Bills

VA SB391

Carry Over Cannabis control; retail market.

Previously Filed As

VA SB671

Cannabis control; retail market, penalties.

VA SB970

Cannabis control; establishes framework for creating retail market, penalties.

VA HB2485

Cannabis control; establishes framework for creating retail market, penalties.

VA HB642

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

VA SB542

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

VA SB826

Marijuana; creates framework for retail sales.

VA HB2723

Criminal records; expungement and sealing of records, repeals Sealing Fee Fund.

VA SB1466

Criminal records; expungement and sealing of records, repeals Sealing Fee Fund.

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 HB637

Possession of residue of a controlled substance unlawful; penalties exceptions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.