Medicinal Cannabis Use Approved in French Polynesia
by Bethan Rose
1-833-663-7284 (Customer Support Available 24/7)
An OG of the nation, Virginia, has officially passed the bill to legalize adult-use cannabis. In a historic vote on Feb 5, 2020, the commonwealth’s House of Delegates and Senate passed two adult-use legalization measures. The governor is expected to soon sign off this legislation and another vote will finalize the legal framework of the program that will hopefully be functioning by 2024.
Nearly all of America has some form of legal access to cannabis. There are only a handful of states still supporting outdated draconian cannabis laws. Laws that have torn apart communities and attacked minorities for far too long. Previously, Virginia had some of the strictest laws against cannabis. But the state eventually decriminalized cannabis possession in July of 2020 and expanded its severely limiting medical cannabis program. Now, Virginia has the chance to recognize this deterred past and make a positive change for the future by legalizing the freedom for recreational use. The birthplace of a nation and the mother of presidents could set an example to the remaining states still in support of outdated cannabis laws. Virginia holds the title of being the first permanent English settlement. It became a state on June 25th of 1788. Virginia is among the 13 original colonies making it one of America’s OG’s.
The United States government holds a heavy influence on how the nation is shaped. This couldn’t be any more evident than it is in the state of Virginia. Originally, Virginia was one state but was ultimately divided during the Civil War when West Virginia separated from Virginia. West Virginia supported the union while Virginia joined the Confederacy back in 1861.
All people of color and those who are financially challenged have suffered greatly thanks in part to anti-cannabis laws designed by the US federal government. According to a state website, “Virginia law includes stiffer criminal penalties when a crime is motivated by a bias against the victim’s race color religion, or national origin.” Virginia should really pay attention to the wording of these laws and see just how hateful charges against cannabis patients and consumers in general are.
United we stand and divided we fall. By allowing states to make up their own rules about cannabis and yet keeping it federally illegal, the US government is essentially dividing our nation between progressive and outdated draconian cannabis laws. This also makes for a huge confusion in the united part of the United States. How can a medical cannabis patient in the state of California drive from California to West Virginia and run the risk of breaking laws along the way yet be legal in certain areas? How is that equality and justice for all?
Virginia has stepped forward and joined the ranks of states who have legalized adult-use cannabis. Virginia’s current Governor Ralph Northam has enthusiastically expressed support of legalizing recreational adult-use cannabis but has also expressed that it won’t be an overnight fix.
Many of the states clinging to the draconian support of cannabis prohibition are southern states such as South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Since recreational cannabis laws passed in Virginia, it’s one of, if not the first, of the southern states to officially see the success of this magnitude supporting adult-use cannabis legalization. But let’s not get too excited yet. The state is still working on getting its medical cannabis program up and running. Since the state mandates that its cannabis industry is vertically integrated, it has had a major impact on the timeliness of getting products on the shelves. There are regional dispensaries that have still yet to open, there is limited inventory, and more patients than there is purchasable medicine. But lawmakers are remaining hopeful that Virginia will have an active adult-use cannabis market by the seemingly far-off year of 2024.
Nonetheless, progress has come to Virginia! Governor Northam, along with key members that are part of the governor’s administration along with Virginia’s Attorney General Mark Herring support cannabis legalization. There’s also growing support from legislators and local leaders throughout the commonwealth. And with the support of the people, Virginia has made a complete turnaround from a draconian prohibition state to embracing the natural benefits of cannabis.
Looking to find your medical cannabis in a state that hasn’t yet legalized it? It may be tempting to drive across neighboring state lines with more cannabis-friendly laws. However, the number of states that will authorize qualified patients from out-of-state medical marijuana programs is still relatively small. Which States Accept Out-of-State MMJ Cards? States That…
So you love smoking cannabis, but you’re tired of the same ole rolling papers. Perhaps you recently learned about the potential dangers and risks associated with tobacco blunt wraps and want a healthier option. Let’s explore some rolling paper alternatives that work well for blunts, joints, and spliffs. Types of Rolling Paper to Absolutely Avoid…
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that impacts millions worldwide, leading to extreme mood swings, intense emotional episodes, and difficulty managing day-to-day life. But there may be some good news for those coping with this mental health issue. According to recent research, cannabis could offer unique benefits as part of an approach to managing bipolar…
As cannabis enthusiasts, we’re all too familiar with the stigma surrounding its use and the hoops that have to be jumped through to get it into medical research trials. But recent news of the DEA’s approval of a cocaine derivative for Parkinson’s disease research has left us scratching our heads. In light of this, one…
Despite the fact that the legal cannabis industry is growing, many people are still purchasing from the illicit market. A recent study investigated this matter and found that buying cannabis from the illicit market may be “better” than legal weed. The obvious reasons for choosing the illicit market over the legal market include the likes…
We sat down with the team at TerraLeaf, a medical cannabis dispensary servicing West Virginia, to ask them the Veriheal 5—five questions…
Gone are the days when cannabis was just an occasional treat—today, it’s a powerful source of holistic healing. According to a 2021…
Gaize is mastering the art of cannabis impairment detection. The Missoula, Montana-based company is gearing up for the launch of its first…
