Last week, Virginia citizens continued to see their lawmakers push for cannabis legalization in the form of bill SB 1406. This time around, it was the Senate’s Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee that evaluated SB 1406. The meeting comes two days after the senate subcommittee discussed and voted on several amendments. 

SB 1406

The Rehabilitation Committee passed the reform 8-7, which advocates are signaling as a major win. Others say it shouldn’t have been so close of a vote. Senator Bryce Reeves (R) expressed his concern for how quickly things were moving in regards to committee approval on Twitter. While he is one of the few against the progressiveness of this bill, there were a number of concerns present prior to the committee meeting. One concern centered around home growth. Should it be allowed? If so, should home growth be regulated and monitored for quality? How would that be possible? But the Rehabilitation Committee struck down this concern and passed the home growth amendment. Said amendment allows those who want to start their own business to have a home growth option. 

Another amendment change saw an increase from 50 to 66 percent in the proportion of businesses that must be owned by disadvantaged individuals. This increase occurred in order to help create more businesses with those who are affected severely by racial injustice. This is a huge win, says the ACLU. But they still want to see more. They posted on Twitter that they are excited about the reform. However, instead of the original 30 percent revenue funds going to the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund, it should be 70 percent. This would help combat more of the racial injustice that has been happening. Plus, it would decrease any further chances of it continuing to affect the people of Virginia. 

Future of Virginia Legalization

The next step for SB 1406 is the Judiciary Committee and the Finance Committee. This is to make sure that SB 1406 meets regulations and requirements set by each committee. After each individual committee approves of SB 1406, it will go to the Senate for a full chamber vote. If SB 1406 passes, implementation would begin 2024, instead of 2023 as originally proposed. Establishing regulations is the next step. Plus, an independent agency to run, monitor, and control cannabis across the state needs to be created. This independent agency would take responsibility away from the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Authority as originally proposed. However, if the general assembly votes on an expedited reform, sales could begin in 2023. 

Lots of changes are ahead, and Virginia is leading the legalization charge in this new year. As more information comes out on the Virginia marijuana reform effort, we will update you with the latest. In the mean time, check back soon for the latest cannabis and hemp news.