Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
A Virginia Senate committee Wednesday effectively extinguished any chance of passing legislation to decriminalize marijuana in the commonwealth.
In a party-line vote, the Republican-controlled Senate Courts of Justice Committee voted 9-5 to table Senate Bill 686.
Sponsored by Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, the measure would have changed possession of small amounts of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor subject to a 30-day jail sentence and $500 fine to a maximum $100 civil penalty.
Supporters told the committee that the criminal conviction for possession presents significant obstacles to people seeking jobs and housing, and costs law enforcement money and resources disproprotionate to the severity of the offense.
Opponents, including law enforcement organizations, warned that decriminalization would create more problems than it solves.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Marijuana decriminalization bill goes up in smoke - Richmond.com: Virginia News And Politics
Author: Jim Nolan
Contact: jnolan@timesdispatch.com
Photo Credit: Marijuana Policy Project
Website: Richmond.com: Richmond, Virginia news, business, sports, entertainment, restaurants, events, arts and shopping
In a party-line vote, the Republican-controlled Senate Courts of Justice Committee voted 9-5 to table Senate Bill 686.
Sponsored by Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, the measure would have changed possession of small amounts of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor subject to a 30-day jail sentence and $500 fine to a maximum $100 civil penalty.
Supporters told the committee that the criminal conviction for possession presents significant obstacles to people seeking jobs and housing, and costs law enforcement money and resources disproprotionate to the severity of the offense.
Opponents, including law enforcement organizations, warned that decriminalization would create more problems than it solves.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Marijuana decriminalization bill goes up in smoke - Richmond.com: Virginia News And Politics
Author: Jim Nolan
Contact: jnolan@timesdispatch.com
Photo Credit: Marijuana Policy Project
Website: Richmond.com: Richmond, Virginia news, business, sports, entertainment, restaurants, events, arts and shopping
