Virginia
Virginia lawmakers weigh proposal banning recreational sales of hemp products
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has proposed a rewrite of a invoice that aimed to ban the leisure gross sales of intoxicating hemp-derived merchandise, searching for to make sure the continued availability of sure therapeutic CBD formulations.
Youngkin’s proposed adjustments got here after hemp trade advocates and fogeys of sufferers who profit from nonintoxicating CBD merchandise pressed him to rethink the influence of the laws because it lately handed. Lawmakers will weigh the Republican governor’s proposals to amend that measure and dozens of different payments throughout a one-day session Wednesday.
Youngkin’s substitute hemp invoice continues “his efforts to crack down on harmful THC intoxicants, together with artificial merchandise” comparable to delta-8 THC, a psychoactive chemical typically synthesized from hemp-derived CBD, his spokeswoman Macaulay Porter mentioned in a press release, noting it incorporates “a narrowly tailor-made exemption” for therapeutic CBD merchandise.
NEW YORK CITY CRACKING DOWN ON ILLEGAL WEED SHOPS
“Governor Youngkin’s substitute takes into consideration these critically crucial merchandise whereas going even additional to clear retailer cabinets of unlawful merchandise accountable for sending youngsters to the hospital,” Porter mentioned.
For over a yr, Virginia lawmakers have been grappling with the right way to finest regulate gross sales of vapes, edibles and different merchandise with delta-8, which have soared in reputation nationwide, filling cabinets at comfort shops and smoke outlets even in locations the place marijuana is not authorized. It is a difficulty different states are wrestling with, too.
At instances, the merchandise — typically bought in packaging that mimics standard snacks — have sickened unsuspecting youngsters and adults.
The unique invoice aimed to ban intoxicating merchandise by capping the overall quantity of THC at 2 milligrams per bundle and 0.3% complete THC. It additionally would have required topical hemp merchandise to have a bittering agent to discourage consumption.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks on Feb. 25, 2023, in Richmond, Virginia. Youngkin has proposed a rewritten invoice banning the leisure gross sales of intoxicating hemp-derived merchandise. (AP Picture/John C. Clark, File)
Whereas opponents argued it will additional complicate Virginia’s hashish legal guidelines, supporters of the measure as handed referred to as it a method to deal with a urgent security concern. Hashish-related pediatric emergency division visits have trended upward since late 2020, in keeping with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Affiliation. That group and different doctor and well being care organizations lately urged the governor to signal the measure with out amendments.
Youngkin’s substitute would take away the bittering agent requirement and permit the 2-milligram THC cap to be exceeded if a product meets a 25:1 CBD to THC ratio. It will additionally require retailers to register with the state enforcement company to promote any consumable hemp-derived product, Porter’s assertion mentioned.
Among the many mother and father pushing Youngkin for adjustments was Lisa Smith, whose 23-year-old daughter has a life-threatening type of epilepsy.
Smith mentioned her daughter’s high quality of life improved tremendously from taking a CBD oil bought from a Colorado-based firm. However after the corporate warned it would not be capable of ship her the product if the invoice had been signed, Smith reached out to her representatives, Home Speaker Todd Gilbert, and Youngkin’s workplace and his spouse, whom she met at a marketing campaign occasion. The governor’s workplace referred to as to listen to her considerations.
WASHINGTON OFFERING DRUG OFFENDERS PRIORITY STATUS FOR ‘SOCIAL EQUITY’ LICENSES TO SELL WEED
Smith mentioned the bottle she orders for her daughter has 216 milligrams of THC — which might run afoul of the unique invoice — however a lot CBD that there could be no mind-altering results from consuming the entire thing.
“I am glad we had been heard and it wasn’t simply signed,” mentioned Smith, since reassured by the corporate that her daughter’s product might be obtainable underneath the amended laws.
However Sarah O’Hanlon, the mom of one other youngster with epilepsy who has benefited from CBD therapeutics, mentioned households like hers will “completely” be impacted in gaining access to wanted merchandise, even underneath the amended model.
Representatives for hemp commerce associations referred to as Youngkin’s model an enchancment, however mentioned it nonetheless threatens to hurt the trade.
Each Greg Habeeb, a lobbyist for the Virginia Hashish Affiliation, and Jason Amatucci, president of the Virginia Hemp Coalition, mentioned the 25:1 ratio allowance would nonetheless require eradicating some nonintoxicating merchandise from retailer cabinets.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Amatucci mentioned his group is asking lawmakers to desk the invoice, which he mentioned would do nothing to deal with the supply of delta-8 and different merchandise on the black market whereas limiting shopper alternative and killing hemp trade jobs.
Habeeb mentioned it is grow to be clear to the group he represents that the governor and a majority of the Basic Meeting need to transfer this yr to ban merchandise like delta-8. Whereas his group would favor the invoice not grow to be legislation, Youngkin’s amended model is the higher choice, he mentioned.
Neither the invoice as handed or as amended by Youngkin would transfer the state towards establishing a authorized marijuana retail market.
The Basic Meeting, on the time absolutely managed by Democrats, legalized marijuana in 2021 with out establishing retail gross sales. Management of the Home flipped later that yr, and efforts since then to arrange retail gross sales have gone nowhere.
It is presently authorized to develop and possess marijuana inside limits, and sufferers can entry the drug by way of the state’s medical hashish program, which wouldn’t be impacted by the hemp invoice, mentioned one of many invoice sponsors, Sen. Emmett Hanger.
The final game of the 2024 regular season is here. West Virginia will take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock this afternoon, looking for win No. 7. Can they get it? Here are our predictions for the game.
West Virginia’s pass defense is going to be tested today, with Behren Morton slinging it all over the place. Morton puts up big numbers, but a lot of his passes come out of the quick game with some shots mixed in. Tech plays at a very high-tempo and West Virginia has struggled against offenses that have turned it up a notch this season, most notably Pitt.
While Texas Tech’s pass defense is even worse than West Virginia’s, it doesn’t necessarily mean the Mountaineers will have their way through the air. Without Traylon Ray and Jaden Bray, WVU will be a little shorthanded at receiver, and unit as a whole has struggled to win versus man coverage all season long.
West Virginia can’t afford to let Texas Tech dictate the tempo and flow of this game. If they try to play to Tech’s speed, they’ll get boatraced. They have to do everything they can to hold onto the football and milk the clock to limit possessions.
WVU hangs in, but Texas Tech comes out victorious.
Prediction record: 7-4.
Texas Tech is looking to secure its first eight-win regular season since 2009 on Saturday. The Red Raiders started the season 5-1 but have since dropped three of their last five games, although they did go into Ames and knock off an, a then, 11th-ranked Iowa State team.
West Virginia has seen more lows than highs this season, considering the expectations in and surrounding the program. However, the Mountaineers are determined to close out the regular season with a win.
Texas Tech has been really good in Lubbock at regular season finales and are 10-2, including an eight-game winning streak in those games. Meanwhile, West Virginia head coach Neal Brown is 4-0 during Thanksgiving week, which generally falls on the regular season finale, but during the COVID season, the Mountaineers eventually wrapped up the regular season in Ames on December 5th. However, there was a scheduled game against Oklahoma on Dec. 12 in Morgantown, but the game was canceled. So, lets stick with the Thanksgiving week stat.
Neal Brown captured his first win against Texas Tech in Morgantown last year after dropping the first four meetings.
The Red Raiders will be motivated for redemption on the toughness of running back Thaj Brooks. The senior has rushed for over 100 yards in all 10 of his appearances this season, tallying 1,317 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Junior quarterback Behren Morton has been solid for Texas Tech this season, throwing for 2,976 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Despite all their offensive success, the defense, like West Virginia’s, has been their downfall. It’s hard to believe there’s been worse defense than the Mountaineers, but the Red Raiders are in contention with Oklahoma State to take the title of “Big 12’s Worst Defense”.
In what I believed to be a ‘toss up’ game from the beginning of the season holds true today. I don’t like the stats against WVU in this one with Tech’s home success and recent series history, but like last week, I’m going with the intangible Garrett Greene.
The Mountaineers did not necessarily need heroics in last week’s win against UCF, but they will more than likely need some big plays down the stretch to steal the victory and I don’t believe will allow it to happen.
Garrett Greene has a big fourth quarter while running backs CJ Donalson and Jahiem White pound the rock in the running game and steal a victory in Lubbock 37-34.
Prediction record: 7-4.
MORE STORIES FROM WEST VIRGINIA ON SI
What Darian DeVries Said Following the Win Over No. 24 Arizona
Rapid Reactions to West Virginia’s Overtime Win Over Arizona
WVU Reveals Uniform Combo for Regular Season Finale vs. Texas Tech
Can West Virginia Finish Strong? ESPN FPI Reveals Chances to Beat Texas Tech
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia National Guard (VNG) soldiers returned home from deployment in Poland on Wednesday — just in time to spend Thanksgiving with their families.
The soldiers were assigned to the Virginia Beach-based 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group and reunited with family, friends and VNG senior leaders on Wednesday, Nov. 27.
These reunions came after the soldiers had been serving on federal active duty since March of this year.
The 529th was based at Forward Operating Site in Karliki, Poland and was responsible for supply missions, logistics and maintenance. They also serve as a headquarters element for Task Force Cavalier, which oversees operations and training for over 550 soldiers from 4 different subordinate units from active-duty Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
Among the people there to greet the returning soldiers and thank them for their service was Major General James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia and Brig. Gen. Todd H. Hubbard — the VNG Director of the Joint Staff.
“You showed tremendous resiliency,” said Lt. Col. Carlos Maldonado, commander of TF Cavalier at the TOA. “You overcame and absolutely crushed the mission. Through it all, Cavalier you persevered.”
To learn more about what their deployment entailed, click here.
Continue scrolling to see photos of the soldiers returning home to their families:
It’s the final day of the Battle 4 Atlantis and the West Virginia Mountaineers are hoping to leave the Bahamas with a third-place finish in the event. Winning the whole thing would have been extremely impressive considering the field, but Darian DeVries’ squad has already notched a key resume-building win over Gonzaga and can do so again today against No. 24 Arizona.
Here are my picks for today’s game. Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
1 Star – Not very confident
2 Star – A little confident
3 Star – Fairly confident
4 Star – Very confident
5 Star – Should be a lock to happen
3-star play on Arizona (-6.5): This is a really tough matchup for the Mountaineers playing its third game in three days. When these two meet later in the year, I believe WVU will put together a much stronger showing and potentially even win the game. Not there, though.
The Wildcats have a nine-man rotation, which occasionally will be a ten-man. WVU’s key players have logged a ton of minutes over the last two days, with both games going to overtime. As evidenced in yesterday’s game, if the Mountaineers face serious foul trouble, it impacts them more than most teams due to a lack of depth. Amani Hansberry should be able to produce a third straight big game, but if he starts picking up fouls left and right, WVU will be in trouble. Arizona’s guard-heavy lineup will attack and finish around the rim with ease.
I’ve got the Wildcats pulling away with a strong second half.
1-star play on the under: Arizona is a high-scoring team that likes to push the tempo. They’ve averaged 67 field goal attempts in this tournament, whereas WVU has attempted 59 and 63 in games that went to overtime. For West Virginia to win, they’re going to have to slow things down when they have the ball, much like they did in the opening-round game against Gonzaga.
I mentioned fatigue setting in as a possibility in the WVU-Louisville game yesterday, and although Darian DeVries isn’t using that as an excuse, you can tell it played a factor for both teams, especially in the first half. Both squads looked sloppy, slow, and disjointed. I seriously doubt WVU and Arizona will have an extra bounce in their step today, playing for the third time in three days and in a game deciding who takes home third place.
ATS: 3-3 (50%)
O/U: 4-2 (66%)
Overall: 7-5 (58%)
Odds Disclaimer
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
MORE STORIES FROM WEST VIRGINIA ON SI
Everything Darian DeVries Said Following West Virginia’s Overtime Loss to Louisville
How to Watch & Listen to West Virginia vs. No. 24 Arizona
Big 12 Score Predictions for the Final Week of the Regular Season
Can West Virginia Finish Strong? ESPN FPI Reveals Chances to Beat Texas Tech
Bloomfield student dies after collapsing on football field, district says
Tre Johnson, Kadin Shedrick power Texas in 90-68 victory over Delaware State
Private Japanese moon lander arrives in Florida ahead of January SpaceX launch (photos)
Fans Blast College Football Overtime Rules After Eight-OT Georgia-Georgia Tech Battle
Over a year after Lahaina fires, Native Hawaiian homeowners hit another breaking point
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Abortions slightly declined the year Roe v. Wade was overturned, CDC says
Ukrainian men face sexual torture in Russian detention centres: UN
Reporter Journal: A sunrise trek through wild solitude in New York City
Present and Accounted For: House Republicans' small majority could make attendance a priority
Zelenskyy: NATO membership must be based on Ukraine's legal borders
-
Health1 week agoHoliday gatherings can lead to stress eating: Try these 5 tips to control it
-
Science4 days agoDespite warnings from bird flu experts, it's business as usual in California dairy country
-
Health5 days agoCheekyMD Offers Needle-Free GLP-1s | Woman's World
-
Technology3 days agoLost access? Here’s how to reclaim your Facebook account
-
Sports1 week agoBehind Comcast's big TV deal: a bleak picture for once mighty cable industry
-
Entertainment2 days agoReview: A tense household becomes a metaphor for Iran's divisions in 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig'
-
Science1 week ago
Political stress: Can you stay engaged without sacrificing your mental health?
-
Technology1 day agoUS agriculture industry tests artificial intelligence: 'A lot of potential'
