Connect with us

Cannabis News

Virginia Senators Approve Bills To Legalize Marijuana Sales And Provide Resentencing Relief To People With Prior Convictions

Published

10 minutes ago

on

Virginia senators have passed a pair of bills to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana and reduce penalties for people with prior cannabis convictions.

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 9-6 on Wednesday to advance legislation for Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D) to sell marijuana. Members also voted 12-TK3 to approve Senate President Louise Lucas’ (D) anti-cannabis measure.

Both measures then go to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, potentially before reaching a date.

Aird told colleagues in Wednesday’s speech that his bill “establishes a marketplace that protects consumers and puts health and safety first, ensures a balance in our regulatory framework that ensures legalization is consistent with public health and safety goals, and avoids past mistakes built into alcohol laws that allow the legal substance to continue to be criminalized.”

“I know there’s interest in aligning the approach we take in this legislation with (the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority’s) enforcement structure, but if we do that too narrowly, we risk building a legal system that relies on arrests, mandatory fines, mandatory minimums, prison sentences and low-level offenses,” he said. “And that approach has failed with alcohol and will fail again for cannabis.”

The panel accepted several amendments from Sen. Scott Surovell (D), the panel’s chairman, over Aird’s objection.

Among the changes are amendments to “essentially align the penalties for the illegal sale of alcohol with the illegal sale of marijuana,” Surovell said, bringing the penalties for minors in possession of cannabis on par with those for alcohol.

Another bench-approved amendment adds criminal penalties for buying marijuana from an unlicensed dealer.




Marijuana Justice’s Chelsea Higgs Wise supported the overall bill, but expressed concern about the recently passed criminal amendments, calling it “a step backwards.”

A representative of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP also said, “If we really want to prepare our children for success, we’re not going to criminalize them, but we’re going to figure out how to support them so they can make better choices.”

JM Pedini, director of development for advocacy group NORML and executive director of Virginia NORML, told Marijuana Moment that the organization is “deeply concerned about committee members’ re-criminalization of cannabis users and mandatory minimum approvals for marijuana.”

“It is particularly troubling that as this body moves to address resentment of marijuana-related penalties, it is simultaneously entertaining new ways to further criminalize consumers,” Pedini said.

Approval of the amended sales invoice comes in about a week The House General Laws Committee approved a supplemental version of the legislationDel. Paul Krizek (D).

As passed in committee, the legislation is largely in line with recommendations released by the legislature in December. Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition to the Commonwealth Retail Cannabis Market.

Since legalizing cannabis ownership and home cultivation in 2021, Virginia lawmakers have been working to establish a commercial marijuana market– Only for those efforts to stall under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R), who twice vetoed measures sent to his desk by the Legislature.

the senate the version calls for sales to begin on January 1, 2027, while the House bill stipulates that the sale of cannabis for adult consumption can begin on November 1 of this year.

Here are the main details of Virginia’s legal marijuana sales legislation:

  • Adults would be able to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a single transaction, or up to an equivalent amount of other cannabis products, as determined by regulators.
  • The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority would oversee licensing and regulation of the new industry. Its board of directors would have the authority to control the possession, sale, transportation, distribution, delivery and testing of marijuana.
  • A tax of up to 12.625 percent would apply to the retail sale of any cannabis product. That would include a 1.125 percent state retail and use tax on top of a new 8 percent marijuana-specific tax. Local governments can charge an additional 3.5 percent.
  • The tax revenue would be divided between the costs of administering and enforcing the state’s marijuana system, a new Cannabis Equity Investment Fund, pre-kindergarten programs, substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs, and public health programs such as awareness campaigns designed to prevent drug-impaired driving and discourage underage use.
  • Local governments could not allow marijuana companies to operate in their area.
  • Delivery services would be allowed.
  • Serving sizes would be limited to 10 milligrams of THC, with no more than 100 mg of THC per package.
  • Existing medical cannabis operators could enter the adult-use market if they pay a $10 million license conversion fee.
  • Cannabis businesses should implement peaceful labor agreements with their employees.
  • A legislative committee would direct the addition of local consumer licenses and micro-enterprise cannabis event permits that would allow licensees to hold sales at farmers markets or pop-up locations. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority would also investigate the possibility of involvement in marijuana regulation and enforcement.

Just sworn Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) supports legalizing the sale of marijuana to adults.

Another cannabis law passed by a Senate committee Wednesday would require people with certain felonies to automatically receive resentencing hearings and adjust their sentences. A Del. Rozia Henson, Jr. Also advanced House Companion version of (D). recently

The legislation would create a process for people who are incarcerated or under community supervision for certain crimes involving the possession, manufacture, sale or distribution of marijuana to receive an automatic sentencing hearing.

The invoice It applies to people with convictions or convictions for conduct that occurred before July 1, 2021, when a state law that legalized personal possession and home cultivation of marijuana went into effect.

The panel approved some technical changes before passing the legislation.

—
It’s Marijuana Time tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25/month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracking and become a Patreon supporter to gain access
—

Meanwhile, Virginia lawmakers have introduced other marijuana-related legislation for the 2026 session, among other things. allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in hospitals.

Separately, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry has published a new defining workplace protections for cannabis users.

Mike Latimer’s photo.

Marihuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Become a patron on Patreon!

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cannabis News

Oklahoma Governor wants to shut down medical cannabis program

Published

5 minutes ago

on

February 4, 2026

By











Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt he said He wants to return the state’s medical marijuana program to voters. In his State of the State address, Stitt called for a state question in 2026 for citizens to decide whether to end the program, citing concerns about “bad actors” and criminal influence.

Dispensary owner Dana Herrick he reacted to the adHe noted that in 2018 medical cannabis was approved by voters. Herrick said the program gave patients access to drugs and raised questions about what returning the issue to a public vote would mean for existing companies.

The state’s medical cannabis system has grown since 2018. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority oversees growers, processors and dispensaries with more than 1,500 active licenses. Regulators have implemented measures such as credential checks and a temporary moratorium on new licenses to manage the industry’s growth.










Continue Reading

Cannabis News

Gavita International launches Agrolux Operating System

Published

1 day ago

on

February 3, 2026

By

During Fruit Logistica, Gavita International launches the future Agrolux Operating System and the LYRA modular product platform. “The latest developments highlight Gavita International’s evolution into a fully integrated solution that supports growers throughout the crop cycle,” says CEO Marc Salvany.

After the management buyout on October 1, 2025, Gavita International is led by Marc Salvany (CEO) and Ad van der Vorst (CFO). With the launch of the Agrolux Actuator System, Gavita International is presenting not only a future-ready platform, but also its new strategic location: this presentation is the basis for the future developments of the globally operating lighting systems supplier.

The launch of the Agrolux brand underlines the company’s strategic move towards a fully integrated solution for professional growers.

© Agrolux

Agrolux Operating System
“The Agrolux Operating System is a future-proof and user-friendly platform that enables professional farmers to improve performance, efficiency and return on investment, while actively contributing to a more sustainable, circular and resilient horticultural ecosystem,” explained Marc. “It supports electrical power and wireless communication, the Horticultural Lighting Protocol (HLP), and can work seamlessly with a climate computer or standalone. The system is also fully compatible with all generations of Agrolux (LED) luminaires as well as third-party brands.”

The Agrolux Operating System has capabilities on its development page, such as AI-based lighting strategies and integration with sensors, providing advanced automation, monitoring and control for modern greenhouse operations. The Agrolux Operating System protects existing investments while enabling smarter and more sustainable farming.

LYRA: the modular product platform of the future, fully complementary to the Agrolux portfolio
Together with the Agrolux Operating System, Gavita International is proudly developing LYRA; A new modular and future product platform to support current and next generation greenhouses. “At the heart of the LYRA platform is a modular design that supports multiple applications, including multi-channel configurations to enable lighting strategies, combined with a flexible power range from 340W to 1200W, depending on the producer’s requirements.”

The LYRA is designed around a single driver housing concept that allows LED modules to be added, upgraded and adjusted, ensuring the luminaire adapts to evolving technology, regulations and grower needs. Together with LYRA, the Agrolux OS system will continue to offer renewed features and innovations to the product platform.

LYRA complements the entire Agrolux (LED) luminaire portfolio, and the Agrolux Operating System supports all generations of Agrolux (LED) luminaires. “Together, they are designed to offer the professional greenhouse grower as much as possible
flexibility and long-term certainty in a rapidly evolving technology innovation landscape.”

LYRA will initially be available in a 4-channel version.

The defining moment
“Unveiling the Agrolux Operating System and previewing LYRA at Fruit Logistic is a defining moment for our company. This presentation marks a significant and exciting chapter for Gavita International, thanks to our dedicated team and the continued support of our trusted partners and respected growers. We look forward to meeting visitors in Berlin and showcasing our new developments,” said Marc.

Live demonstration at Fruit Logistica
At Fruit Logistica 2026, Gavita International will demonstrate the Agrolux operation
System live at stand A-46 in the Dutch Pavilion (Hall 3.2), seen first hand.
LIRA

Appointments for a demonstration can be booked online.

For more information:
Gavita International
(email protected)
www.agrolux.com

Continue Reading

Cannabis News

Ohio Attorney General Approves Referendum To Reverse Marijuana And Hemp Restrictions

Published

1 day ago

on

February 3, 2026

By

Ohio’s attorney general has accepted a recent submission a referendum petition to block parts of a restrictive marijuana and hemp law He said it was “misleading” to go into effect after rejecting an initial version.

“After careful review of this submission, I conclude that the title and summary are a fair and true statement of the proposed measure,” Attorney General Dave Yost (R) wrote in a letter to the petitioners on Wednesday.

“My certification of the title and abstract … should not be construed as an endorsement of the enforceability and constitutionality of the referendum petition,” he said. “My role, as executed here, is to determine whether the wording of the title and summary adequately advises the material components of a measure.”

The Ohioan-led referendum for Cannabis Choice wants it that way repealing key components of the bill the governor recently signed it Reduce the state’s voter-approved marijuana law and prohibit the sale of consumable hemp products outside of licensed cannabis dispensaries.

Yost said last month that an initial submission from the group contained “omissions and errors that would generally mislead a potential signer about the scope and effects of SB 56.” Then they presented an updated version.

Now the latest version of the band the proposal it has been accepted attorney general, efforts can begin to collect a total of around 250,000 signatures for the vote.

The office of Gov. Mike DeWine (R) and a senator who led the charge to pass SB 56 have had it He criticized the cannabis referendum campaign.

In essence, the proposed referendum would repeal the first three sections of the controversial bill DeWine signed into law in December, which he says is intended to combat the unregulated intoxicating hemp market. But the legislation would do more than limit the sale of cannabinoid products to dispensaries.

The law also criminalizes certain marijuana activities that were legalized under the 2023 ballot initiative, and would also remove anti-discrimination protections for cannabis users that were established under that law.

The governor also used his line veto powers to cancel a section of the bill that would have delayed the implementation of the hemp beverage ban.

Advocates and stakeholders vehemently protested the current legislation, arguing that it undermines the will of voters who approved cannabis legalization and would effectively wipe out the state’s hemp industry, as there is little hope that adults will choose hemp-based products over marijuana when they visit a dispensary.

The rejection spurred the newly introduced referendum, but the road to successfully blocking the law is narrow.

If activists reach the signature threshold by the deadline, which coincides with the same day the restrictive law goes into effect, SB 56 would not be enacted until voters have a chance to decide on the issue on the ballot.

A summary of the submitted referendum reads: “Sections 1, 2, and 3 of 56 Am. Sub. Sub. SB enact new provisions and amend and repeal existing provisions in the Ohio Revised Code relating to the regulation, criminalization, and taxation of cannabis products, such as the sale, use, possession, cultivation, licensing, classification, classification of marijuana, marijuana, and certain hemp products.”

“If the majority of voters vote not to approve Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Act, the approved amendments will not have any effect and the previous version of the affected laws will remain in force,” it says.

Advocates have expressed several concerns with the law, including that it would eliminate language in statutes that provide anti-discrimination protections to people who legally use cannabis. It includes safeguards against adverse action in the context of child custody rights, the ability to perform organ transplants, and professional licensing.

It would also recriminalize possession of marijuana from any source other than a state-licensed Ohio dispensary or possession of marijuana from a legal household. Because of this, people can be charged with a felony for carrying cannabis purchased from a legal Michigan store in the Michigan area.

It would also ban the smoking of cannabis in outdoor public places, such as bar patios, and ban landlords from vaping marijuana in rental properties. Violation of this latter policy, even if it involves vaping in a person’s backyard in a rental property, would be a misdemeanor offense.

The legislation would also replace what had been a regulatory framework for intoxicating hemp that the House passed with a broad ban on over-the-counter marijuana sales, following a recent federal move to recriminalize such products.

By law, hemp items containing more than 0.4 mg of total THC per container or containing synthetic cannabinoids cannot be sold outside of a licensed marijuana dispensary. That would be in line with the new federal hemp law included in an appropriations package signed by President Donald Trump.

The federal law banning most consumer hemp products has a one-year implementation window, however, and Ohio’s legislation appears likely to go into effect sooner. The Legislature approved a temporary hemp beverage regulatory program in Ohio until December 31, 2026, but the governor vetoed that provision.

The law also includes language that, if the federal government moves to legalize hemp with a higher THC content, the Ohio legislature intends to review that policy change and explore potential statewide reforms to regulate these products.

The bill’s signing came after DeWine issued emergency regulations banning the sale of hemp products for 90 dayswith instructions to the legislature to consider permanent regulations. It has been done by a county judge ordered the state to enforce that policy in response to a legal challenge.

—
It’s Marijuana Time tracking hundreds of cannabis, psychedelic and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters by pledging at least $25/month, you’ll get access to our interactive maps, charts, and audio calendars so you never miss a development.

Learn more about our marijuana bill tracking and become a Patreon supporter to gain access
—

Meanwhile, in September, the Ohio Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) released rules for the state’s proposed marijuana legalization legislation, establishing plans to update regulations on labeling and packaging requirements.

Merchants of Ohio It sold more than $1 billion worth of legal marijuana products in 2025, according to data from the State Department of Commerce (DOC).

In March, a survey of 38 municipalities by the Ohio State University (OSU) Moritz School of Law found local leaders were “unequivocally opposed” to earlier proposals which would have cut planned funding..

Meanwhile, in Ohio, adults can buy more than double the amount of marijuana starting in June than were under previous limits, state officials determined that the market could sustainably supply patients and adult users of medical cannabis.

The governor announced his desire individually in March Marijuana tax revenue to support police training, local jails and behavioral health services. He said funding for police training was a top priority, even though it was not included when voters approved it in 2023.

Marijuana Moment is made possible with the help of readers. If you rely on our pro-cannabis journalism to stay informed, consider a monthly Patreon pledge.

Become a patron on Patreon!

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright © 2021 The Art of MaryJane Media