Virginia’s Path to Legalizing Cannabis Sales
The Virginia General Assembly has introduced a bill to legalize cannabis sales in the state, with no opt-out clause for localities. The bill, HB 642, was introduced by Del. Paul Krizek, D-Fairfax County, and sets out the specifics of the legalization process.
One of the key aspects of the bill is the social equity component, which aims to benefit applicants from historically disadvantaged communities. The bill sets out seven criteria for licensing, with applicants needing to check off at least four of the boxes to qualify. The criteria include being convicted of marijuana-related offenses, living in a jurisdiction with a high rate of marijuana arrests, attending school in a historically disadvantaged community, and receiving a Pell Grant or serving in the military.
However, some critics argue that the bill may benefit white applicants from rural areas, rather than the intended beneficiaries of the social equity provision. This is because the bill defines “historically economically disadvantaged communities” as areas with high rates of marijuana arrests, which may not necessarily be predominantly black. Additionally, the bill allows applicants from predominantly white areas to benefit from the social equity provision if they have lived in a historically disadvantaged community for at least three of the past five years.
The bill also sets out the criteria for retail licenses, with 350 licenses initially available. After 2028, the number of licenses can be increased, but the board must ensure that impact licensee applicants have equal or greater access to licenses than other applicants.
Other provisions of the bill include a ban on weed deliveries to certain locations, such as military bases, schools, and correctional facilities, as well as a requirement that cannabis stores be at least 1,000 feet away from certain locations, such as schools and hospitals.
The bill is expected to have significant implications for the cannabis industry in Virginia, and it remains to be seen how it will be received by the public and lawmakers.
