Gov. McAuliffe signs medical marijuana bills

by | Feb 27, 2015 | POLITICS

RICHMOND – Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed into law Thursday legislation to decriminalize two medical marijuana derivatives for the treatment of intractable epilepsy.


RICHMOND – Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed into law Thursday legislation to decriminalize two medical marijuana derivatives for the treatment of intractable epilepsy.

McAuliffe signed House Bill 1445 and Senate Bill 1235, which decriminalize the use of Cannabidiol oil and THC-A oil by patients who suffer from persistent epileptic seizures. The bills contained an emergency clause and took effect immediately.

Read about why Cannabidiol oil is important to Virginia’s youth here

The new law does not provide a prescription for the substances; however, a certification from a doctor will serve as an “affirmative defense” for epilepsy patients arrested and charged with possession of marijuana.

In a news conference at the bills’ signing, McAuliffe said Virginia should not force families to move to other states to seek the medical treatment they need.

“This is common sense,” the governor said. “It is the right thing to do. And this, in fairness, is what elected official ought to do – to help people’s lives.”

Sen. Dave Marsden, D-Burke, the chief sponsor of SB 1235, said the bill signing marked a giant step forward for the families who live in constant fear of prosecution.

“This bill is a triumph of science over fear,” Marsden said.

Some of the affected families who had been lobbying for the bills’ passage were invited by the governor to stand behind him as he signed the legislation into law. McAuliffe said that Virginia was their home and their partner and that “we will be there for you because you were there for us.”

“If the science shows that we can better individuals’ lives by the use of marijuana and the oils, then I am always open to that,” McAuliffe said.

The oils, like THC-A, reportedly have anti-inflammatory qualities, among other healing properties, but without the psychoactive effects of THC. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have enacted various medical marijuana or marijuana decriminalization laws – and four have outright legalized recreational marijuana.

But many questions remain about how certification holders and their families will obtain the oils, because medicinal marijuana is still illegal on a federal level.

Del. Dave Albo, R-Springfield, the chief sponsor of HB 1445, said state lawmakers and families tried to address this problem but found it “impossible” under current federal law.

“The federal government has got some work to do,” Albo said.

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner




more in politics

Matt Strickland and the Image of Strength He Must Demonstrate

Strickland Appeared before the Virginia Board of Elections “Buy the ticket, take the ride” is that old proverbial saying coined by Hunter S Thompson. I prefer the saying “take the ride, pay for the ticket. Now is almost the time for Matt Strickland to pay for the...

Richmond’s Next Mayor? Get to Know Garrett Sawyer

Today, I’m getting a drink with a politician. Coffeeshop, lunch spot, in-studio - those are perfectly fine places to get to know someone, but there’s nothing like a good whiskey to loosen up a conversation. Garrett Sawyer is meeting me at The Camel for happy hour on a...

Richmond’s Next Mayor? Get to Know Maurice Neblett

I’m starting to really enjoy these interviews. My favorite part? Staying in touch with all of the candidates. They’ve all sent me prompts on issues they care about since our individual conversations; not one in aggrandizement of their contributions to anything. Just,...

Richmond’s Next Mayor? Get to Know Harrison Roday

It’s raining fucking buckets. It’s cold, 4pm, and I want to go home. But I’m about to do that weird half-run, scrunched-shoulders thing into Blanchard's Coffee Shop on Broad street to meet Harrison Roday, candidate for Mayor. They’re gonna close soon too. He’s a new...

Getting Kicked Out of the Trump Event

Let me start by saying that it was a smart move to remove me from the Trump event at the Greater Richmond Convention Center before the former President spoke on Saturday. It was NOT a wise move to grant me press credentials in the first place. After over two hours...

Pin It on Pinterest