Marijuana is legal in Virginia, but the laws surrounding its possession, sale, and use are still in flux. Currently, it is legal for individuals aged 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of cannabis for personal use, and to grow up to four plants in their home. However, there are no legal retail outlets for recreational marijuana in the state, and it is illegal to buy, sell, or gift cannabis in any form.
In this article, we’ll discuss the current legal of cannabis in Virginia, and take a look at what the future holds for the state’s marijuana laws. We’ll also explore the implications of the recent vote in Oklahoma which legal medical marijuana, and look at how other states such as Florida, Ohio, Nebraska, and Maryland are considering cannabis legal. Finally, we’ll discuss the circumstances of a double shooting that occurred at a marijuana pop-up shop in Chesapeake, Virginia last May.
The possession and Use of Cannabis in Virginia
Under current law, individuals aged 21 and over in Virginia can possess up to one ounce of cannabis without facing criminal penalties. It is also legal to grow up to four plants in your home, as long as the plants are not visible from a public place. It is not legal, however, to buy, sell, or gift cannabis in any form. Additionally, consuming cannabis in public is also illegal, and can lead to a fine of up to $25.
The Sale and Distribution of Cannabis in Virginia
At the moment, there are no legal retail outlets for recreational marijuana in Virginia. However, the state’s legislature is considering a bill that would create a regulatory framework for the sale of cannabis in the state, with a planned implementation date of January 1st, 2024.
In the meantime, the state has legal the sale of hemp-derived ingestible products, such as edibles and tinctures. This has led to an increase in the number of retailers selling these products in Virginia. The bill that is being considered in the state’s legislature would cap the amount of THC in these products at 0.3 percent, and would also require that the products be clearly labeled as containing hemp.
Recent Developments in Cannabis laws in Other States
The recent vote in Oklahoma which legal medical marijuana could be seen as a sign of a nationwide trend towards cannabis legal. A number of other states, such as Florida, Ohio, Nebraska, and Maryland, are considering cannabis legal. While they have yet to pass laws, these states could move towards legal recreational or medical marijuana in the near future.
The Double Shooting at a Marijuana Pop-Up Shop in Virginia
In May of last year, a double shooting occurred at a marijuana pop-up shop in Chesapeake, Virginia. Investigators say that the two would-be robbers were shot and killed by a security guard at the shop. This event highlights the risks of buying and selling marijuana in an unregulated environment, and serves as a reminder that cannabis is still illegal under federal law.
