Bill
Bill > HB2373
summary
Introduced
01/08/2019
01/08/2019
In Committee
01/08/2019
01/08/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/24/2019
02/24/2019
Introduced Session
2019 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Marijuana; legalization of simple marijuana possession; penalty. Eliminates criminal penalties for possession of marijuana for persons who are 21 years of age or older. The bill also decriminalizes marijuana possession for persons under 21 years of age and provides a civil penalty of no more than $100 for possession of less than (i) two and one-half ounces of marijuana or (ii) 12 marijuana plants and a civil penalty of no more than $500 for possession of more than (a) two and one-half ounces of marijuana or (b) 12 marijuana plants. Under current law, a first offense is punishable by a maximum fine of $500 and a maximum jail sentence of 30 days, and subsequent offenses are a Class 1 misdemeanor. The bill also modifies several other criminal penalties related to marijuana. The bill establishes a regulatory scheme for the regulation of marijuana cultivation facilities, marijuana manufacturing facilities, marijuana secure transporters, marijuana testing facilities, retail marijuana stores, and marijuana microbusinesses by the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill imposes an additional tax of 10 percent on retail marijuana and retail marijuana products sold by retail marijuana stores and microbusinesses and directs the first $20 million of such revenues to the Veterans Treatment Fund, established in the bill. The remaining tax receipts will be distributed to the localities in which the businesses operate, toward the state's share of Standards of Quality basic aid payments, and to the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund.
AI Summary
This bill legalizes the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana for personal use by adults 21 years of age and older. It establishes a regulatory framework for the cultivation, manufacture, testing, transportation, and retail sale of marijuana and marijuana products, to be overseen by the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill also imposes an additional 10% tax on the retail sale of marijuana and marijuana products, with the first $20 million in annual revenue going to the Veterans Treatment Fund and the remaining revenue distributed to local governments, the state's share of Standards of Quality basic aid payments, and the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund.
The bill decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana (up to 2.5 ounces) by adults and the home cultivation of up to 12 marijuana plants for personal use. It also provides for the expungement of certain marijuana-related offenses. The bill prohibits the public consumption of marijuana and establishes civil penalties for violations. It also includes various provisions related to the regulation and safety of marijuana products, such as mandatory testing, labeling, and packaging requirements.
Overall, this bill represents a significant shift in Virginia's approach to marijuana, moving from prohibition to legalization and regulation for adult use. It aims to create a legal, regulated market for marijuana while also addressing concerns around public safety, youth access, and social equity.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Left in Courts of Justice (on 02/05/2019)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?191+sum+HB2373 |
| BillText | http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?191+ful+HB2373+hil |
| Bill | http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?191+ful+HB2373+hil+pdf |
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