Virginia

The Highs and Lows of Virginia's Latest Marijuana Legislation

Published

11 months ago

January 16, 2024

The Highs and Lows of Virginia's Latest Marijuana Legislation

Last Wednesday, the Virginia General Assembly kicked off its 2024 session, now under the fresh leadership of a Democratic majority in both chambers and one of the first things we want to mention is new bill, HB 698, introduced by Del. Paul Krizek (D) and backed by Sen. Adam Ebbin (D), aimed at legalizing marijuana sales. This move is a big deal, especially since Virginia already said ‘yes’ to using, having, and growing a bit of cannabis for adults back in 2021 but faces hurdles getting passed, so here we are again. Now, let’s break down what’s good and not-so-good about this bill:

THE UPSIDE:

Moving Forward with Legalization: Sen. Ebbin is pretty upbeat about this bill, saying something along the lines of, “It’s time for this sensible approach.” It’s like the state is riding a wave towards more open cannabis laws.

Economic Boost: This bill could be a game-changer for the economy. It’s not just about letting current medical marijuana shops sell to more people, but also about giving a leg up to new small businesses. This could mean more jobs and more money flowing in Virginia.

Keeping Things in Check: Having rules in place means better control of who’s growing and selling cannabis. This could make things safer for everyone and might even shrink the black market.

Cash Flow from Taxes: Imagine what a 6 percent tax on marijuana sales could do. We’re talking extra money for the state and the city of Richmond, which could help fund all sorts of public projects and initiatives.

Fair Play with Microbusinesses: The bill wants to give a fair shot to veterans and folks from areas that got the short end of the stick in past marijuana policing. It’s a nod towards fixing historical wrongs.

THE DOWNSIDE:

Not Enough on Equity?: Critics like Chelsea Higgs Wise of Marijuana Justice think the bill might miss the mark on helping those who were previously penalized for marijuana by focusing on military veterans saying the bill could do more for social justice.

Big Fish Eating the Little Ones?: There’s worry that letting the existing medical marijuana players start early might make it tough for the new guys to catch up, possibly leading to a less diverse market.

Political Roadblocks: Governor Glenn Youngkin might just say ‘no’ to this bill. That’s a big potential snag, showing just how tricky the politics around marijuana can be.

A Complex Regulatory Web: Setting up and running all these new rules won’t be easy. It’ll take a lot of effort to make sure everything’s running smoothly and fairly.
Health and Safety on the Radar: With legalization comes concern about public health and safety, like keeping cannabis away from kids and dealing with issues like driving under the influence.

So, there you have it – HB 698 in a nutshell. It’s a mix of hope for economic growth and social equity, but with a side of political drama and practical challenges. As this bill makes its way through the ropes, it’s definitely going to stir up a variety of opinions, just like it’s happening across the country with cannabis laws.

Source reporting by Marijuana Moment

Since 2005, the dedicated team at RVA Magazine, known as RVA Staff, has been delivering the cultural news that matters in Richmond, VA. This talented group of professionals is committed to keeping you informed about the events and happenings in the city.

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Virginia

Virginia vs. Manhattan Live Updates | NCAA Men’s Basketball

Published

5 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

Virginia vs. Manhattan Live Updates | NCAA Men’s Basketball

Virginia (3-2) is set to host Manhattan (3-2) on Tuesday night at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia. Follow along with score updates, play-by-play, and live analysis for the game in the thread below. Updates will be posted at each timeout in reverse chronological order with the most recent updates at the top of the article. Refresh the page for updates.

As we await our 7pm tip between Virginia and Manhattan on the ACC Network, read a full preview of the game here: Virginia Basketball vs. Manhattan Game Preview, Score Prediction

Virginia has posted its starting five for tonight’s game:
– Dai Dai Ames
– Isaac McKneely
– Andrew Rohde
– Elijah Saunders
– Blake Buchanan

Notably, TJ Power has been replaced by Andrew Rohde in the starting lineup after starting the first five games of the season. Power is shooting 25% from three (4/16), while Rohde is currently shooting 50% from beyond the arc (7/14).

Virginia and Manhattan will meet on Tuesday night for just the second time ever and first time since March 19th, 1993, when the Cavaliers defeated the Jaspers 78-66 in the first round of the 1993 NCAA Tournament.
UVA is 9-0 against current members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Virginia’s last game against a MAAC team was back in 2012, when the Cavaliers defeated Fairfield 54-45 at John Paul Jones Arena.
UVA is 2-0 at John Paul Jones Arena this season and 3-0 against unranked opponents this season.

Read more Virginia men’s basketball news and content in the links below:

UVA Basketball: Ten Things We Learned About Virginia in The Bahamas

Virginia Basketball Falls to St. John’s 80-55 | Key Takeaways

The Plus/Minus: Virginia Gets Skunked by Tennessee in The Bahamas

Virginia Basketball Falls to Tennessee 64-42 | Key Takeaways

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Virginia

Suspect steals property from store, assaults employee in Virginia

Published

13 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

Suspect steals property from store, assaults employee in Virginia

LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. – A man has been arrested after entering a store in McLean, stealing merchandise and assaulting an employee.

The suspect has been identified as Calvin Hughes Jr, of Washington D.C.

Leesburg Pike robbery suspect

Police responded to the 8300 block of Leesburg Pike in McLean for a commercial robbery on November 21 around 11:00 a.m. According to police, the suspect entered the store, stole merchandise, and assaulted an employee.

Hughes Jr. was identified and arrested nearby for robbery and is being held without bond.

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Virginia

Sunshine State Bound Wolverines Ready for Virginia Tech at Fort Myers Tipoff – University of Michigan Athletics

Published

21 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

Sunshine State Bound Wolverines Ready for Virginia Tech at Fort Myers Tipoff – University of Michigan Athletics

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan men’s basketball team (4-1) hits the road to take on Virginia Tech (3-2) at the Fort Myers Myers Tip-Off on Monday (Nov. 25) at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Opening tip is scheduled for 6 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on FS1.

Notes

• There will be eight teams in two divisions competing in the Fort Myers Tipoff. Michigan is among four teams in the Beach Division along with South Carolina, Virginia Tech and Xavier. The Palms Division features Miami (Ohio), Jacksonville, Mercer and Siena.

• The Maize and Blue faces Virginia Tech in its Beach Division opener on Monday. After a prep day, Michigan plays either South Carolina or Xavier in the consolation (6 p.m.) or championship (8:30 p.m.) on Wednesday (Nov. 27).

• After Thanksgiving, the Michigan women’s team plays at the Fort Myers Tipoff, in Shell Division play. Kim Barnes Arico’s Wolverines open with Belmont (Nov. 29; 2 p.m.) and play either Virginia Tech or Davidson on Saturday (Nov. 30) in the consolation (2 p.m.) or championship (5 p.m.).

• Michigan is 4-2 all-time against Virginia Tech. After winning the first four games in the series, the Wolverines have dropped the last two. U-M faces Virginia Tech for the first time in eight years, last playing in 2016 ACC/Big Ten Challenge at Crisler Center. All six games in this series have been part of a tournament or specialty event.

• Michigan is 3-3 all-time against South Carolina. The Wolverines could face the Gamecocks for the first time in six years, with the teams having faced off in the second game of a home-and-home series played in 2018. There have been three games in Ann Arbor, and two in Columbia. The lone neutral-site game was the championship of the 2006 NIT in Madison Square Garden (U-M lost 76-64).

• Michigan is 3-1 all-time against Xavier. Two of the four games have been played in the postseason. The first came in the 1984 NIT quarterfinals — a 63-62 U-M win — as the Wolverines went on to claim their first NIT title. The second was in the 1989 NCAA first round — a 92-87 U-M win — which was the launching point for the Maize and Blue on its way its first national championship. The last meeting between the Wolverines and Musketeers was in the 2015 Gavitt Games (Big Ten vs. Big East) at Crisler Center — nine years ago (U-M lost 86-70).

• ?Michigan wrapped up a three-game homestand (3-0) and improved to 4-1 overall. Now, U-M plays five of its next six games on the road. The Wolverines will be away from Ann Arbor for seven of its next 10 games.

• U-M is shooting 52.8 percent from the field, which ranks 15th nationally. Seven Wolverines are shooting above 50 percent as Tre Donaldson leads U-M shooting 62.2 percent (23-for-37).

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