What is legal??
Yes, that would be a GREAT place to start.
I’m smart enough to know, when talking about law, you first say, “we are not lawyers, please refer to one.” Okay now that’s out of the way.
We know that at this point this community will have to grow with the expectations that much of it will take place AFTER we actually can build out a community (let’s do our best to avoid challenges with Johnny Law).
So it’s important to understand on the front end what the actually laws are and what you can do and can NOT do today.
“Virginia lawmakers have approved legislation legalizing recreational use of marijuana and commercial sales starting in 2024. Lawmakers in Virginia have reached a deal to make the state the 16th in the nation and the first in the south to legalize recreational marijuana use.”
(See reference https://www.npr.org/2021/02/28/972272178/virginia-lawmakers-sign-off-on-bill-legalizing-recreational-marijuana )
So what does that mean?
It probably means that right now you will want to engage with this plant via a medicinal card (See blog for step-by-step guide to obtaining this quickly, discreetly and affordably).
This will allow you to get anything from edibles to raw flower directly from your local dispensary.
If you do not have a card but you still possess in VA they have also changed laws governing this:
“Virginia decriminalized the simple possession (up to an ounce) of cannabis while providing a civil penalty up to $25”
(See reference https://www.natlawreview.com/article/virginia-cannabis-lovers-2024 )
This is a BIG change from some of the heavy handed penalties thrown down in years past. It is a great step in the right direction.
VA is also making efforts to right the wrongs of the past when it comes to those who did or are facing charges of possession:
“Both bills also would begin a process of automatically expunging misdemeanor marijuana-related offenses from criminal records on July 1.”
(See reference https://www.pilotonline.com/government/virginia/vp-nw-marijuana-legalization-20210214-4bngngos6bfkxca7kgwtcmenuy-story.html )
While we are excited to see the roots of this community spread and connect our network we encourage our friend and family to do it as safely as possible. We can move the political/legislative needle in the right direction with discretion and consideration.
Do you have additional topics you’d like for us to cover?
Please reach out to us!