While the legalization of recreational marijuana remains exclusive to Colorado and Washington, efforts are being made on the East Coast, including here in RVA.
While the legalization of recreational marijuana remains exclusive to Colorado and Washington, efforts are being made on the East Coast, including here in RVA.
Although the odds of the US Senate legalizing marijuana for D.C. are slim, efforts in Virginia could be more fruitful, with a little bit of civic participation, of course.
Several such civic-minded Richmonders met at the Cary St. Cafe on Sunday to revitalize the Richmond chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
After a period of inactivity, Richmond NORML hopes to help influence local legislators in favor of marijuana legalization and represent Richmond residents interested in changing current marijuana laws.
Paul Franklin, Richmond NORML’s director, was at Sunday’s meet-up to garner interest in membership and to motivate people to act in favor of Virginia Special Bill 686, which aims to reduce or eliminate many of the penalties associated with marijuana possession.
Franklin said SB 686 will be “the first initial step towards legalization,” before accurately pointing out, “there aren’t any states that have gone from zero to legal without any intermediary steps.”
SB 686 would greatly reduce Virginia’s current penalties for marijuana possession. “If a person has up to one ounce of cannabis on them, it’s a $100 civil fine, as opposed to what used to be 30 days in jail and $500,” Franklin said.
Other provisions in the bill includes allowing the possession of “up to six plants recreationally,” and “your driver’s license is not revoked if you’re given the $100 fine,” Franklin said.
The charge of “intent to distribute” would also be eliminated for anyone with six plants or fewer.
While many are optimistic about SB 686’s chances, it will still require vocal support from Virginia residents, said Franklin.
For anyone interested in seeing SB 686 through, Franklin encouraged people to get in touch with their state representative.
It actually works, too. “I emailed my state representative, and two days later I got a response back,” Franklin said. For anyone interested in doing so, Virginia NORML has set up a page on their website to make contacting your representative as simple as possible.
Another way for Richmonders to help SB 686 pass would be to attend NORML’s Lobbying Day at the Virginia General Assembly on January 16th.
Franklin explained that this event provides citizens with the opportunity to talk face-to-face with the legislators about a variety of issues. Whether you attend Lobby Day or write your legislator, or simply call or email them, the emphasis is making your voice heard.
