As we walked into Crumps store on Wednesday June 16, 2021 the image of a weed leaf struck our eye. It was on the front of a local news resource. The title of this partcular article read “When the Smoke Clears”, an article from the Chesterfield Observer written by Donna Gregory Burch regarding the new marijuana laws in Virginia.
But think again if you’re under the impression that you’ll be firing up bowls of buddha on the jon boat without consequences. Because there’s still laws that prohibit puffing on purple haze in public.
Overall the article states that as of July 1, 2021 adults 21-years-old and up can burn small bags of trees all they want in private settings. However, the laws are going to be a work in progress for years to come according to Burch.
That said, her article clears up the new Virginia marijuana laws like this—- the laws really aren’t that clear. That’s no smoke towards Burch. But the laws seem premature and a bit amusing in our opinion.
You may be able to possess weed AND grow marijuana as an adult, but you don’t exactly have a license to do whatever you want when it comes to smoking weed in Virginia.
Market & Legislation Players
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority
This group is responsible for overseeing and creating the retail marijuana market.
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission
The state-authorized group that examines policy on behalf of the Virginia General Assembly. They have concerns about weed laws in future. As laws are created they want more misdemeanor charges added into VA’s marijuana legislation. Current Virginia laws sock sativa fans in the face with civic penalties if you’re caught with 1 oz to a pound of chronic. Anything more than an LB is a felony.
At the end of the day, the JLARC is advocating for additional penalties be added between civil and felony statutes. They want more penalties because other states are doing it so Virginia can do it as well.
The Police
Virginia police are being trained to understand the new laws and will be enforcing penlties for smoking & driving.
So, Bro… Is Weed Legal or Not?
Yes. But read the fine lines. You must be an adult 21 and up to possess it. No more than a pound. And you can only use it in private.
In a nutshell, according to the Chesterfield Observer, you can own an O and be cool, legally. You can even share it with your homeboys if you’re not charging them. If you do, you’re selling. And that’s not legal.
Y0… You Saying SOME Weed Things Are Illegal?
Absolutely. It sounds strange, we know. But the answer is, yes, there are illegal aspects of this strange business. And speaking as elders of the unit we think this legalization maneuver is total insanity. But that’s neither here or there. We just deliver the news.
On that note, Here’s a list of weed violations
- Sharing weed in public
- Smoking trees in public (this means the game warden isn’t going to be forgiving if he catches you blazing on your jon boat)
- Possessing and smoking chronic under 21
- Selling trees…unless you are a med card holder purchasing from a dispensary.
- Possessing weed on school grounds or a bus
- Driving vehicles under weed influence. This also means no passing dutchies in a car whether you’re a driver or passenger… whether the vehicle is parked or not
- Open containers… there are some people that use “medical cannabis”. Yeah ok. Regardless, medical weed containers cannot be open and they have to be stored in the trunk of a vehicle or behind the last seat of the vehicle. Point is, the weed can’t be in reached in the vehicle.
Can I Grow My Own Trees?
Yes. But there are stipulations. You can grow up to four plants indoors or outdoors. But they have to be tagged. Meaning you must attach documentation to your plants that include: name, drivers license info or state id info along with a slogan that reads “for personal use”. The realist says to me, your a set up waiting to happen.
Burch states that plants cannot be visible to the public…. Without use of aircraft, visual tools including binoculars. Her well-written article states growing trees is limited to private property and its not a given you can raise your herb on rental property.
Can My Employer Can Me for Cannabis?
Yes. Current law states you cannot fire people who are prescribed medical marijuana. But if you’re not in that category and you’re caught with some nuggs or impaired by them they can take actions however they seem fit.
What if I Get Caught with More than an OZ?
As an adult you face a $25 civic penalty.
What if I’m Stupid and I Have More than a Pound?
You are indeed ignorant. And you face a felony up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Trust us. Its not worth it, dawg.
Sheeesh.
If you want more information on Virginia weed laws go to vanorml.com