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Cannabis legalization in Virginia
#1
Since cannabis legalization in Virginia has been an outgrowth from "medical marijuana", I thought this to be the best forum to house this thread in.

Virginia government FAQ website

One week from today, on 1 July, this year, cannabis becomes legal in the US Commonwealth of Virginia. Kinda sorta.

Individual possession of up to 1 ounce in public will be legal. However, since it cannot be bought, GETTING it to possess it will be illegal. Possession of an amount more than 1 ounce and less than 1 pound in public will be a civil penalty, carrying a 25 dollar fine. Possession of one pound or over skyrockets all the way up to a felony. 16 ounces, 25 dollar fine. 17 ounces, go directly to jail for several years, do not pass "GO", do not collect 200 dollars. There is no misdemeanor middle ground.

While it will be legal to possess, share, or gift up to 1 ounce, selling or trading it will still be illegal. How is one to get it in the first place to legally possess it, gift it, or share it then? I don't expect any folks are going to drop by my house and say "here's an ounce of pot for ya. have a nice day" and walk back out. If they did, I would view that as suspicious as hell, anyhow.

Possession of ANY amount "with intent to sell or distribute" will still be illegal. So simply coming to my house to gift me an ounce of reefer (i.e. "distribution") will be illegal - so how are folks supposed to gift it?

It will be legal to grow up to 4 plants per household, for personal use... but getting seed to grow will still be illegal. No one in Virginia is authorized to sell seeds, and it's illegal to import them across state lines... so how are those 4 plants per household supposed to get their start? Will they just magically appear in yards, sans seeds?

Assuming that seeds were available, one can get up to around 2 pounds / 1 kg per plant. That would allow for a substantial stash... but if one can only legally possess 1 ounce, how does that work, with 4 plants yielding up to 8 pounds or so? 8 pounds is 128 times the legal limit, 127 ounces more than you are allowed to possess. It's 8 times the amount they can send you to prison over... but they're telling you that you can grow it anyhow, "go ahead and pop those plants out, buddy, wink-wink, nudge-nudge. We'll just stand over here and watch, until they get bigger than 1/4 pound each..."? 

While legal to grow up to 4 plants, there are onerous coda that go along with that, over and above the inability to get seed to grow it from. It can't be visible from the street. Has to be socked in so that no one under 21 can touch it. And it has to be "tagged" with your name, driver's license number, and a notation that it is "for personal use". No idea why they would put in a tagging requirement... are they scared someone might steal it? If so, how in the hell are you supposed to tag it permanently, in a way that the thieves can't just remove the tag and go on their merry way? Could that tagging requirement just be a way to stealth bust individuals for illegally acquiring seeds, since they couldn't be busted for the plants themselves, but getting the seed to grow the plants is still illegal?

Hell, I could grow a whole row of opium poppies (ornamentally) right next to the road, and no one would say "boo!", but I would have to hide hemp away and erect fencing and safeguards like it might give someone the plague if they saw it or - God forbid - touched it?

I don't see "guerrilla growing" to become a thing of the past any time soon. It's easier and far less risky than trying to navigate this new law.

One part of the legislation that wasn't neglected was taxation. It provides for a 21% state excise tax on top of the already existent 6% state sales tax. Additionally, localities may levy up to 3% or additional taxes, so the government has the potential to rake in 30% taxes per transaction if they ever get around to making sales legal. I see where their priorities are, and it's not with the citizenry... this is in no way an altruistic law, it's not in favor of the people, and most laughable of all, it in no way promotes the "equity" they claim is the basis of it.

All in all, this has got to be one of the worst drafted pieces of legislation I have ever had the misfortune to behold. No wonder - it was drafted by Democrats. Their hearts may have been in the right place, but as usual they are not getting a name for attention to detail or logical thought. They didn't think it through very well, and that is exactly what I expected of them.

Either that, or it's a trap. "Oh, you've got an ounce of reefer? No matter - that's legal now... so how'd you get it?"

I recommend continued guerrilla possession and farming, keeping it away from the eyes of the law. That has worked for years and years now, at least since I was a teenager, and I don't see anything in this law to substantially change the need for it.

.
Diogenes was eating bread and lentils for supper. He was seen by the philosopher Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king.

Said Aristippus, ‘If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils.’ Said Diogenes, ‘Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king.’


#2
Explanation: @Ninurta .... we have exactly to almost a tee ..the same stupid laws where I live in the Australian Capital Territory in Canberra the Capital of Australia

The local laws allow it to some extent but have the same shitty cant buy it or seeds situation and Federally its still very illegal.

Personal Disclosure: As for the laws ...

Do what you want and just dont get caught ok! There a over a billion laws world wide and nobody can know them all and they keep adding 1000's of new laws every year. Everything is ALREADY illegal to some extent eh, so just be smart about what you do and hope for the best and maybe you'll get lucky.

As for Virginia ...

You  are a clapped out failed state riddled with CIA and NSA bullshit and democrat policies up the wahzoo! If it wasnt for some friends like @Ninurta and a couple of other online friends I have in Virginia USA ... Id nuke bomb that state back into the freaking fucking stone ages. What a shithole state!!! West Virginia is BETTER for all its ghetto-ness and poverty.

As for Pot...

Its 4:20 somewhere in the world at all times ... some pack a billy and have a toke or two ..pls do inhale ok!

[Image: Expanding-BrainPotMeme.jpg]

minusculebeercheers
OL at beez - "Here, if you have a milkshake, and I have a milkshake, and I have a straw. There it is, it's a straw, you see? Watch it. Now my straw reaches across the room and starts to drink your milkshake. I... drink... your... milkshake. I drink it up!"

Do not engage in useless activity ... and ... from one thing, know many things!

Think Globally, Act Locally, Feel Internally ... Wash, Rinse, Dry and Repeat!

It's Just A Ride!
#3
@"OmegaLogos" - Yeah, my son lives in WV, and he had had to rub my nose in the fact that starting 1 July, no more sales taxes will be collected on firearms or ammunition sales in that state. WV is also a "Constitutional Carry" state - no permit required to carry weapons concealed beyond the Bill of Rights we have had for a couple centuries now. It's looking better as a homestead there every day.

I also just found out this new VA law is racist, in that it requires any new cannabis businesses to be owned at least 66% by "disadvantaged persons" in the interests of "equity". That translates to "don't be trying to make any money off drug sales if you ain't a minority, or in state government." Not a very good way to dispel the stereotype of minorities as drug dealers, if you ask me - but they didn't ask me. They just did it.

Oddly, I've been trying to find a PDF of the text of this bill as passed, and it is "unavailable" at the state legislature website. That's not very comforting or transparent, and it does not inspire confidence in what the state government is trying to do.

You don't try to hide what you are doing if it is above board, y''know?  

All in all, I still believe it is safest for folks in the drug world to continue as they have for years - don't tell the government what you are doing, and don't ask their permission to do it. Just do what yer gonna do, and keep quiet about it. That formula has worked nearly forever, ever since there have BEEN governments to try to interfere in your little world.

Just act like nothing has changed, and no laws were passed.

ETA: Federally in the USA, since 2018, some forms of cannabis are kinda sorta legal to grow. They can't have more than 0.3% THC. if your plants are tested anywhere over that limit, they can't be sold, they have to be destroyed. And licensing. Federally, you have to have a license to grow that sort of "pot lite". They make a legal distinction now between "hemp" and "marijuana", and that is the dividing line. Hemp is legal, marijuana is not, Federally in the US. The difference between the two, legally speaking, is 0.1% THC content.

If you can get a license to grow it.

And seeds.

.
Diogenes was eating bread and lentils for supper. He was seen by the philosopher Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king.

Said Aristippus, ‘If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils.’ Said Diogenes, ‘Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king.’


#4
Hmmm.... Virginia is only a couple hour drive from where I am in North Carolina. I Could take a Drive, but that turns into Interstate transportation of a controlled substance, or something like that. I'm an old man in a New car on crutches, if I don't indulge during the trip back, I doubt I'd bring much attention to myself or be likely to be stopped.
#5
(06-24-2021, 03:48 PM)PLOTUS Wrote: Hmmm.... Virginia is only a couple hour drive from where I am in North Carolina. I Could take a Drive, but that turns into Interstate transportation of a controlled substance, or something like that. I'm an old man in a New car on crutches, if I don't indulge during the trip back, I doubt I'd bring much attention to myself or be likely to be stopped.

It's as easy to just buy pot off the street down there as it is to travel up here to buy it. The entire state only has 4 dispensaries, and you have to have a medical marijuana ID card to even get in to any one of them. Hell, you can just pay a cover charge and buy your way into a strip joint with far less hassle. Since there are only 4 dispensaries, and the state has stopped licensing any new ones as of 8 June, even natives with a card have to do some traveling to get to one. Not the friendliest way to run a medical marijuana program for sick folks. Who wants to travel when they're sick?

.
Diogenes was eating bread and lentils for supper. He was seen by the philosopher Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king.

Said Aristippus, ‘If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils.’ Said Diogenes, ‘Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king.’


#6
That "law" sounds like a trap to me. 
Being that there is now a law, or a bill waiting to be signed, that says anyone who uses weed, for any reason, will have any guns confiscated from their possession, I think I'd forego letting the government know I had any. 
They seem to think anyone under the influence of mary jane is a threat to society. Actually, it's the opposite. Weed calms people down and makes them easier to get along with, not to mention the health benefits. 

Our law here about being able to open carry with no permit also goes into effect on July 1.  
Just had to rub that in a little.  tinylaughing
#7
(06-24-2021, 05:26 PM)Mystic Wanderer Wrote: Our law here about being able to open carry with no permit also goes into effect on July 1.  
Just had to rub that in a little.  tinylaughing

That is just mean. I have mean young-'uns, and cannot fathom where they get that from!

Do you have any references to the law or bill allowing for gun confiscation of cannabis users? I've not used any in 43 years, but if I were a current user, their problem would not be passing a dumbassed law, their problem would be figuring out how to get my gun before it got emptied...

.
Diogenes was eating bread and lentils for supper. He was seen by the philosopher Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king.

Said Aristippus, ‘If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils.’ Said Diogenes, ‘Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king.’


#8
(06-24-2021, 08:03 PM)Ninurta Wrote:
(06-24-2021, 05:26 PM)Mystic Wanderer Wrote: Our law here about being able to open carry with no permit also goes into effect on July 1.  
Just had to rub that in a little.  tinylaughing

That is just mean. I have mean young-'uns, and cannot fathom where they get that from!

Do you have any references to the law or bill allowing for gun confiscation of cannabis users? I've not used any in 43 years, but if I were a current user, their problem would not be passing a dumbassed law, their problem would be figuring out how to get my gun before it got emptied...

.

@"Ninurta", that was over a year ago, so I don't remember where it is. Any links I had would be on my old computer. I do remember us talking about it here, but no idea what thread.  Sorry.

ETA: Wait, I found this online:  https://www.legalreader.com/marijuana-la...ownership/
#9
(06-24-2021, 09:40 PM)Mystic Wanderer Wrote: ETA: Wait, I found this online:  https://www.legalreader.com/marijuana-la...ownership/

I believe that one can be beat if anyone tests it in Federal court. it's all in the wording of it.

.
Diogenes was eating bread and lentils for supper. He was seen by the philosopher Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king.

Said Aristippus, ‘If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils.’ Said Diogenes, ‘Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king.’


#10
(06-25-2021, 01:42 AM)Ninurta Wrote:
(06-24-2021, 09:40 PM)Mystic Wanderer Wrote: ETA: Wait, I found this online:  https://www.legalreader.com/marijuana-la...ownership/

I believe that one can be beat if anyone tests it in Federal court. it's all in the wording of it.

.

@"Ninurta", I would hope so. I can't see how a person would not have the right to own a gun just because they need something to ease their pain.
#11
We make monthly trips to Illinois to buy recreational from a real nice dispensary. It's a little pricey and pay 30% sales tax, but it's worth the 2 and a half hour drive get something we can trust. These days, there is fentanyl is in everything. Getting ready to take a trip out west where it's legal in many states. Should be interesting to visit a cannabis friendly camp ground.
The Truth is Out There, Somewhere
#12
(06-25-2021, 02:01 AM)kdog Wrote: We make monthly trips to Illinois to buy recreational from a real nice dispensary. It's a little pricey and pay 30% sales tax, but it's worth the 2 and a half hour drive get something we can trust. These days, there is fentanyl is in everything. Getting ready to take a trip out west where it's legal in many states. Should be interesting to visit a cannabis friendly camp ground.

@Kdog, I miss those kinds of "trips".   tinylaughing
#13
(06-25-2021, 01:57 AM)Mystic Wanderer Wrote:
(06-25-2021, 01:42 AM)Ninurta Wrote:
(06-24-2021, 09:40 PM)Mystic Wanderer Wrote: ETA: Wait, I found this online:  https://www.legalreader.com/marijuana-la...ownership/

I believe that one can be beat if anyone tests it in Federal court. it's all in the wording of it.

.

@"Ninurta", I would hope so. I can't see how a person would not have the right to own a gun just because they need something to ease their pain.

I know, right? One would think that being pain-ridden would make a person grouchier, and therefore gun possession MORE dangerous in that particular individual than in one who had their pain under control.

.
Diogenes was eating bread and lentils for supper. He was seen by the philosopher Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king.

Said Aristippus, ‘If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils.’ Said Diogenes, ‘Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king.’


#14
(06-25-2021, 02:01 AM)kdog Wrote: We make monthly trips to Illinois to buy recreational from a real nice dispensary. It's a little pricey and pay 30% sales tax, but it's worth the 2 and a half hour drive get something we can trust. These days, there is fentanyl is in everything. Getting ready to take a trip out west where it's legal in many states. Should be interesting to visit a cannabis friendly camp ground.

There are only 4 dispensaries in the entire state of VA, and I reckon they've got some kind of air-lock arrangement or something, as you have to have a medical card and be escorted into the inner chambers just to get into one. The nearest one to here is in Bristol, but I wouldn't travel there for it.

Of course, having a medical marijuana card marks and registers one as a "user", and given Northam's Marxist proclivities, it's probably a foregone conclusion that there go your firearms as soon as you get one.

One of the originally planned dispensaries here, up in the Shenandoah Valley, had some kind of unresolved legal ruckus with "producers", and did not get to open, so that area is not covered at all, and never will be I guess because the state closed licensing on 8 June. So we have 4, and I guess that's all we ever will have. All of them are too far to travel to, unless you plan on making a day of it.

Google listed one in Abingdon when I was researching this, but the state doesn't list it, and since the state issues licenses, I presume it's not legal, and so won't last long.

Like I said, the state did a piss poor job of planning this "legalization" thing out. I think it was more a publicity stunt than anything.

Or maybe just a cruel sort of trap.

.
Diogenes was eating bread and lentils for supper. He was seen by the philosopher Aristippus, who lived comfortably by flattering the king.

Said Aristippus, ‘If you would learn to be subservient to the king you would not have to live on lentils.’ Said Diogenes, ‘Learn to live on lentils and you will not have to be subservient to the king.’




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