Do you have an opinion about marijuana and its potential decriminalization in Old Dominion? Well, good news then – the Virginia State Crime Commission is interested in hearing from you on the heady topic.
Last year, the state crime commission announced they were studying the timely topic of decriminalizing the personal possession of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Per an announcement on their website, the Virginia State Crime Commission wants your highly valued opinion.
“The Virginia State Crime Commission is currently studying the topic of decriminalization of simple possession of marijuana. Crime Commission staff values information and insight from parties and stakeholders with an interest in this topic. However, due to the level of interest in this particular study, staff will be unable to meet individually with everyone.”
To decriminalize or not to decriminalize? That is the question in Virginia.
Currently, Virginia has some of the harshest consequences for marijuana offenders. While those busted with more than a half-ounce face a mandatory one-year prison sentence, just getting caught with that much weed much makes you a drug dealer in the eyes of Virginia’s law.
Apparently overloaded by those willing to share their point of view, the commission is now requesting its residents to direct their written comments and any other applicable resources to vsccinfo@vscc.virginia.gov. Or, to comment on the Virginia decriminalization question via postal mail, please send your comments, thoughts, and ideas to to their office (Patrick Henry Building, 1111 East Broad Street, Suite B036, Richmond, Virginia 23219) by 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2017.
The results from the study will be disclosed on October 5, 2017 at the Crime Commission meeting. According to the state website, the meeting which is open to the public is “planned to begin at 10:00 a.m. in Richmond, VA.” Undetermined as of yet, the location of the Crime Commission meeting “will be announced later this fall.”
Virginia Marijuana Poll
A recent poll conducted by the Center For Public Policy and released by Virginia Commonwealth University found that 62% of individuals surveyed believe that recreational marijuana should be legalized.
credit:marijuana.com
