Virginia NORML lobby day at the capitol brought around fifty supporters of weed legalization from around the state.
Virginia NORML lobby day at the capitol brought around fifty supporters of weed legalization from around the state.
Sen. Adam Ebbin’s bill calling for the decriminalization of small amounts of weed was the group’s main focus this session.
Senate Bill 686, drafted by Ebbin, eliminates the jail sentence for marijuana possession and lowers the fine to a maximum of $100. It would also decriminalize growing marijuana, allowing individuals to have up to six plants for personal use.
Sen. Ebbin came out to speak with the crowd lobbying for marijuana reform. He thanked the group and asked them to share their bad experiences with small possession charges when the bill comes forward.
Ebbin said if the bill fails this session, he would continue to pursue it in the future.
“There are too many Virginians who are affected by this issue, too many Virginians who have suffered from this issue, not to have a full and frank discussion of this in the General Assembly until it finally becomes law,” Ebbin said.
Virginia NORML activists cited many of the same reasons for believing in the decriminalization and eventual legalization of marijuana.
Erik Altieri, communications director for National NORML, said Virginia could put their resources to much better use.
“We are spending way too much money in this state arresting non-violent criminals,” Altieri said. “We’re spending close to $70 million a year on simple possession arrests, and we’re arresting over 18,000 people for not much of a result. We believe we can better utilize our law enforcement and judicial resources to combat violent crime. “
Duke Dunn, political activist from Northern Virginia, said the harsh penalties for marijuana charges put an unnecessary strain on individuals and their families.
“It’s a hardship on families and it actually wrecks families. I’m a prime example of that,” Dunn said.
The father of Dunn’s granddaughter is currently serving time for marijuana possession and distribution.
“Now he’s not even in the family picture.” Dunn said. “I’m having to take over the responsibility and act as dad.”
Paige McCormick, organizer with the DC Cannabis Campaign, noted the negative impact drug charges have on the student population.
“Currently if I get arrested for a marijuana, I’m not eligible for any student aid or loans,” said McCormick. “With decriminalization students or prospective students would get a citation and would still be eligible for student loans. So that’s huge.”
Richard Kennedy, board member at Virginia NORML and former CIA analyst has “never even tried the stuff,” but said that as an economist he believes in sensible policies. He also pointed out the racial disparity found in marijuana charges.
“It appalls me that the way marijuana laws are enforced against people of color. They use marijuana at the same rate as us white people do, but the black person who uses it is 3.7 times more likely to get arrested for it as the white person. And having been arrested, they suffer worse consequences.”
Most members of the group said decriminalization is just the first step to their ultimate goal of legalization.
“I personally think that marijuana should just be legalized,” McCormick said. “But if Virginia, as conservative as it is, if we can just get this, this will help save many people’s lives. They’ll still have a future ahead of them.
