Virginia

Weed sales legal in Md., but not Va. Youngkin’s ‘not interested’ in change.

Published

1 year ago

July 16, 2023

Weed sales legal in Md., but not Va. Youngkin’s ‘not interested’ in change.

Within days of Maryland launching a recreational cannabis market, an official in the administration of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) made its most definitive public statement to date on adult-use marijuana sales in the state, which have been in political limbo for years to detrimental effects, Democratic legislators, industry insiders and law enforcement officials say.

“Gov. Youngkin has stated that he is not interested in any further moves towards legalization of adult recreational-use marijuana, so I wouldn’t expect that during his administration,” Joseph Guthrie, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said at a public meeting in late June.

Guthrie’s comments, which were first reported by the Daily Progress, reinforced a widely held belief among Democrats and industry stakeholders that Youngkin would seek to sidestep the issue as he raises his national profile. A spokesperson for the governor did not elaborate, noting only that retail sales are illegal and that the authority to begin building a legal recreational market rests with state lawmakers.

The inaction — two years after Virginia became the first state in the South to legalize cannabis — has frustrated people eager to break into the cannabis industry and consumers who want access to safe, regulated marijuana products. It has also left police and prosecutors navigating a proliferation of creative workarounds that have sprung up to provide intoxicating weed products amid legal uncertainty.

While marijuana remains illegal under federal law, a cultural shift in acceptance of the plant and desire to eliminate racial disparities in law enforcement has seen 23 states roll back restrictions as voters embrace choice and officials welcome tax revenue. Maryland recorded nearly $21 million in retail sales in the week of July 1, when it became the first state in the Mid-Atlantic to launch a legal recreational market. But for now, Maryland’s adult-use market is an outlier in the region.

In D.C., Congress has blocked lawmakers’ efforts to stand up a recreational market, and Virginia’s plans to do so by 2024 have become ensnared in the state’s shifting balance of political power.

Democrats set the goal to create a recreational market for weed in 2021, when the party held the governor’s mansion and both chambers of the General Assembly. Then, voters elected Youngkin, and Republicans took control of the state’s House of Delegates, where efforts from Democrats and a few Republicans to clear the way for legal weed sales have stalled out.

“The house Republicans and Gov. Youngkin have not been helpful in moving cannabis policy forward in Virginia,” said Sen. Adam P. Ebbin, a Democrat from Northern Virginia who this year sponsored a bill to create a framework for legal sales to adults 21 and older.

Ebbin said that Virginia’s best hope for setting up a legal market for recreational cannabis sales would come from Democrats seizing control of the State House following the election this fall, when all 40 state senate seats and 100 seats in the State House will be decided.

If Democrats held both chambers of the General Assembly, “I would think we could get a bill passed,” Ebbin said. But even then, Youngkin’s veto could block recreational marijuana sales in a state that has otherwise made the drug legal.

“Whether or not we could get [a bill] signed is another matter,” Ebbins added.

The Republican lawmakers who oppose the creation of a recreational market have accused Democrats of moving too fast to decriminalize the drug without a solid regulatory plan in place. Many fundamentally opposed the legalization of marijuana, citing potential impacts on public health and safety.

In 2022, when House Republicans blocked an effort to stand up a legal market, House Speaker Todd Gilbert blamed Democrats for making “a great big mess when they legalized marijuana … We are left having to clean up their mess and we will not make it worse by rushing to fix it.”

Virginia is far from the only state to face problems as it legalized cannabis. New York faced similar challenges with a burgeoning illicit market that the governor is still trying to beat back. The troubles that unfolded in Virginia and New York spurred Maryland to move quickly to create a recreational market after voters chose to decriminalize the drug for adult use.

The murky legal landscape that exists now allows Virginians to possess up to one ounce of marijuana without fear of arrest. Adults can grow the plant at home, outside of public view. A medical market exists to supply patients with legal cannabis prescribed by a doctor.

But no one can legally buy or sell recreational weed, which hasn’t stopped people from throwing weed parties, ordering online to have the drug delivered to their doorstep, sharing homemade baked goods laced with THC and selling art that comes with “gifts” — all without testing requirements or taxes.

“Virginia has sort of a weird status quo,” said Greg Habeeb, a former Republican state delegate who now works as a lobbyist for the Virginia Cannabis Association, a trade group. “You can grow it, consume it, possess it — but you just can’t sell it.”

The group, which includes medicinal cannabis cultivators and hemp growers who want to see recreational marijuana sales made legal, makes the case that it’s a public safety issue. They are joined by lawmakers and law enforcement officers who describe sometimes dangerous consequences of the illicit cannabis market.

Some Republican lawmakers, including some who did not support legalizing cannabis possession, agree that the lack of a legal recreational market hurts public safety.

In a January subcommittee hearing on a bill that would have moved the state closer to legal marijuana sales, Del. Keith Hodges (R) said the status quo was creating a “public health crisis.” The delegate also raised concerns that illicit sales fund drug cartels and lead people to buy tainted marijuana, in some cases causing people to unintentionally be exposed to fentanyl.

Lawmakers, industry leaders and lobbyists like Habeeb say the lack of a legal market pushes people into the black market and blocks testing and licensing requirements that would safeguard against the most dangerous consequences. “It pains me to point out when Maryland does something better than Virginia,” Habeeb said.

One major concern is the proliferation of unlicensed businesses that are selling edibles that look like junk food but can be loaded with significant amounts of delta-8 THC because of the lack of regulations — a recipe for disaster when children are involved. State lawmakers moved this year to outlaw products with more than .03 percent THC from any source, but those new rules just took effect July 1 and may prove difficult to enforce.

“For the last 24 months, we have seen this booming industry of edible products that are sitting on the shelves of your local convenient stores or, worse, in these pop-up vape shops,” said Shannon Taylor, president of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys who also serves as the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Henrico County. “You have no idea what’s in it, and you very well may be getting an intoxicating volume of THC.”

Taylor said one estimate from a state report suggests there could be anywhere between 1,500 to 1,800 unregulated shops selling THC-containing products throughout the state — and her main concern is that those unlicensed businesses sometimes operate close to high schools. But without a regulatory system, Taylor said there is little that police can do to curtail potential bad actors.

Nationally, there has been a steep increase in calls to poison control after minors consume unregulated and poorly labeled delta-8 THC products, or other hemp-derived cannabinoids. In Spotsylvania County, prosecutors said a 4-year-old boy died after consuming THC gummy candies; his mother pleaded guilty in June to involuntary manslaughter charges for failing to seek immediate medical attention. Police in nearby Stafford County said three toddlers went to the hospital last year after eating goldfish crackers that contained THC.

Taylor said prosecutors also have concerns about how to enforce increased rates of driving while intoxicated and other crimes that occur in proximity to the illicit cannabis market — such as robberies and murders during drug deals. Establishing a market would give state officials more tools to civilly or criminally sanction businesses that don’t follow the law, advocates for the move say.

In its absence, some consumers have turned to hemp-derived products, often labeled as delta-8 THC, that could be sold at gas stations through the loophole that the legislature closed this year. Others buy from black market dealers who sell products with unknown concentrations of THC or that law enforcement officials warn could even be tainted.

“If we do nothing, we have a problem on our hands,” Hodges said when the Assembly’s last attempt to create a recreational market failed.

Marijuana in the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area

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Virginia

NBA Draft: West Virginia Duo Produce Big Numbers in Upset Over No. 3 Gonzaga

Published

7 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Press Room

NBA Draft: West Virginia Duo Produce Big Numbers in Upset Over No. 3 Gonzaga

West Virginia got off to a hot start at the Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis by knocking off undefeated Gonzaga 86-78 in overtime in their first-round matchup. The Mountaineers have received strong performances to begin the season from two upperclassman transfers: Javon Small and Tucker DeVries.

With each player delivering standout performances, it’s time to start considering them seriously as draft prospects.

Let’s take a closer look at their outings in this big win and dive into their seasons as a whole up to this point.

Tucker DeVries had a big game for West Virginia

Nov 27, 2024; Paradise Island, Bahamas, BHS; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Tucker DeVries (12) drives to the basket as Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Michael Ajayi (1) defends during the first half at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Tucker DeVries finished this game with a stuffed stat line of 16 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and four blocks. This level of versatility clearly illustrates the type of player he is, as he looked solid in nearly every aspect of the game. He has good positional size at 6-foot-7 and plays with a very high IQ on both ends of the floor. His defensive impact was especially noticeable, as he consistently made impactful plays, including a steal that led to free throws to tie the game at the end of regulation. DeVries finished the second half on a 5-0 run, which gave West Virginia momentum to capture the game in overtime.

DeVries has had a solid all-around season leading up to this performance, averaging 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, two assists, 2.5 steals and 1.3 blocks, with shooting splits of 36.6%/40.7%/81.3%. If he were to be drafted following this season, it would likely be in the second round, but his versatile play style is very promising.

Javon Small has impressed for West Virginia

Nov 27, 2024; Paradise Island, Bahamas, BHS; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Javon Small (7) shoots during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Javon Small led the Mountaineers in scoring during this upset victory, contributing 31 points on impressive shooting splits of 50%/40%/81.8%. In addition to his scoring, he also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out two assists and added one steal and one block. Small is a quick and slippery guard who stayed in attack mode throughout the game, translating well into fast-break opportunities. Rarely staying in one spot on offense, Small kept the floor spaced and forced his defender to fight through traffic to keep up with him. His offensive approach was patient as he waited for his defender to get off balance before attacking.

Before this game, Small had averaged 15.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, four assists and three steals. He leads the Mountaineers in points, assists, and steals, while providing a noticeable spark on a nightly basis. Small is now at his third school in four years, with similar statistics in each of his previous two seasons. As an older guard, it is not guaranteed that he will be drafted, but if this level of productivity continues throughout the season, he may receive an opportunity to prove himself at the next level.

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Virginia

Virginia Tech Football: Three Keys to Victory for the Hokies on Saturday vs Virginia

Published

15 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Press Room

Virginia Tech Football: Three Keys to Victory for the Hokies on Saturday vs Virginia

The rivalry matchup between Virginia Tech and Virginia is nearly 48 hours away and it is a big matchup for both teams. The Hokies and the Cavaliers are both 5-6 and needing a win to make a bowl game. The loser will be getting a headstart on 2025 instead of playing in the postseason.

At the start of the year, Virginia Tech was being talked about as one of the biggest surprise teams not just in the ACC, but in the country. This team’s biggest goals have gone away, but they still have an opportunity to reach a bowl game for the second straight season. That should still be a big deal to the program, but on the other side, the Cavaliers are trying to make a bowl game for the first time under Tony Elliott. They are going to be fired up about playing in this game and having a chance to make a bowl game, so Virginia Tech can’t take it for granted, no matter their past success vs Virginia.

So what are the keys to a win for Virginia Tech on Saturday?

Before you could even blink on Saturday night, Virginia Tech was trailing Duke 14-0 thanks to two long touchdown plays and the Blue Devils have not been a very explosive offense this season. Virginia has found a way to put points on teams like Clemson and Louisville this season and has improved since last year. The Hokies’ pass rush was non-existent on Saturday vs Duke, finishing with no sacks and being unable to disrupt Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy. They will have to be able to play better on Saturday if they want to avoid the upset.

It is still up in the air who is going to play quarterback for the Hokies on Saturday night, but whoever it is would benefit from a big game from one of the nation’s best running backs. Tuten had 84 yards on 19 carries last week, but Virginia Tech might need more than that on Saturday when the face the Cavaliers.

Our own RJ Schafer wrote this about the quarterbavck situation heading into Saturday’s game:

“Brent Pry listed both Kyron Drones and Collin Schlee as questionable ahead of the historic matchup. He added that both will practice, although very limited, and they could “just be watching” from the sidelines.

Coach Pry also added that Virginia Tech is preparing four quarterbacks to be ready to play this weekend, including Davi Belfort, a freshman quarterback from Brazil, a country which could begin to be the future of American college football.

Whoever plays this weekend is going to have to have to manage the game and not turn the ball over. I think the offense is going rely on the run game heavily this weekend due to that.

Additional Links:

Virginia Tech Football Releases Depth Chart Ahead of Matchup Against Virginia

Virginia Tech Football: PFF Grades and Snap Counts For Every Player in Saturday’s Loss to Duke

Virginia Tech Football: Updated Bowl Projections For The Hokies Heading Into Final Game

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Virginia

Big Tests On The Horizon For Virginia Tech Wrestling – FloWrestling

Published

23 hours ago

November 28, 2024

Press Room

Big Tests On The Horizon For Virginia Tech Wrestling – FloWrestling

At 3-0 with marquee victories over #6 Missouri (23-10) and #21 Rutgers (26-11), as well as a second-place finish in the Keystone Open with just a handful of starters competing, Virginia Tech has swept through a tough November and is prepared for a difficult December.

The Hokies, #12 in Flo’s team tournament ratings but top 10 in various dual-meet rankings, are next scheduled for an annual trip to Las Vegas for the Cliff Keen Invitational, featuring 27 teams, of which 14 are among Flo’s top 25. And then it’s another trip west to Stillwater on Dec. 19 to challenge #5 Oklahoma State in a rare Thursday match.

The early key thus far for the Hokies has been the ability to win the bouts they’re supposed to win and grabbing a fair share of so-called toss-up bouts.

To wit, Tech’s #18 Sam Latona downing Missouri’s #13 Josh Edmond (4-2) at 141, or #25 Rafael Hipolito majoring the Tigers’ #32 James Conway (11-3) at 157 and #15 Jimmy Mullen stopping #20 Seth Nitzel (4-2) at heavyweight.

That trend continued at Tech’s Moss Arts Center match against #21 Rutgers when Latona used a late takedown to defeat Joey Olivieri 7-5, #4 Lennox Wolak pinned veteran Jackson Turley at 174 and #9 Andy Smith slipped past #17 John Poznanski 4-3 at 197.

Hokies coach Tony Robie only took a few regulars to the Keystone Open in Philadelphia and, led by championship efforts by #1-ranked Caleb Henson at 149 and heavyweight Hunter Catka, Tech placed second behind Lock Haven. Latona placed third at 141 and Sam Fisher did the same at 184.

Robie opted to use the Hokies’ roster as freshmen Dillon Campbell (125), Matt Henrich (157), Luke Robie (157) and Jack Bastarrika (133) competed as did redshirt juniors Jackson Spires (165) and Ty Finn (174). Spires placed second.

Who’s Ready For Change?

With legislation on the NCAA’s table affecting scholarship and roster limits — unlimited scholarships and a roster cap — as well as revenue sharing, some college wrestling programs likely have a serious dose of trepidation while others are confident they can deal with whatever happens.

Virginia Tech sits in the latter category.

“I have no concerns whatsoever about that,” Robie said earlier this month. “I think a lot of it probably will happen. It’s hard to say whether it’s good or bad for the sport; that’s not really for me to say. What I will say is you have to adjust with what the rules are and what the landscape of college athletics looks like, and that’s what we intend on doing.

“Is it good for the overall health of the sport of wrestling? The kid that’s the 35th kid on your roster? Probably not. But I think definitely there were probably some things that needed to change; the pendulum was starting to swing significantly the other way. At some point, it’ll probably start to go back to the middle.”

Robie said all anyone can do is wait for the final decisions.

“We have some contingency plans based on what we think is going to happen and we’ll move forward with our plan and try to execute it,” he said.

A Pretty Good Gig

Robie, in his eighth year as head coach, has been at Tech since 2006 and as each season passes, the commitment and enthusiasm remain the same.

“Well, you get to do what you like to do. And it’s a pretty cool thing to be able to coach wrestling for a living and be a part of a pretty good program, and work with some great people and try to affect the lives of the kids in your program,” he said.

“I think anybody would want to do that. For me, I’m not young anymore. I turned 50 … who knows how long I’m going to do it, but I’m going to give it the best I can while I’m doing it and hopefully continue to improve as a program and try to try to help these guys as much as possible. But it’s good, Virginia Tech’s a great place to work, it’s a great place to live. I’ve got a great staff and it makes my life pretty easy.”

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