Commonwealth’s Cannabis Control Authority Assumes Responsibility Over Medical Marijuana Industry In Virginia
Introduction
Major transformations are set to unfold in Virginia's marijuana landscape as the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (VCCA) takes charge of the state's medical cannabis program, ushering in a new era of regulatory oversight. The primary focus of the Virginia CCA is on licensing and preventing the distribution of hazardous cannabis products.
As the cannabis industry gains popularity, the VCCA aims to curb the rising tide of illegal products flooding the market. In response to the surge in popularity of consumable hemp products containing delta-8 or delta-10, the authority has penalized 29 businesses across the Commonwealth for selling illicit products.
Jeremy Preiss, acting head of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, emphasizes the significant health and safety risks, particularly among children, associated with these products.
The Department of Agriculture has already imposed penalties exceeding $1.7 million on the 29 businesses, with five dispensaries in southeast Virginia receiving fines. In Williamsburg, one store faced a nearly $150,000 penalty for selling THC-laden gummies that far exceeds legal limits. In an effort to bring these businesses into compliance, reduced fines were offered for swift removal of illegal products from shelves.
Read Also: Medical Cannabis Dispensary Locations in Virginia
Moving away from a history of complete prohibition, Virginia is transitioning to a limited basis of cannabis legalization. The General Assembly has tasked the Cannabis Control Authority in Virginia with exploring potential changes to further regulate cannabis products within the Commonwealth. Preiss reveals that they are researching approaches implemented in other states to determine if they could benefit Virginia.
Related: Does a Medical Marijuana Card Protect Me at Work In Virginia?
A concerning trend highlighted by "10 On Your Side" is the sharp increase in pediatric ER visits due to children consuming THC-laced products resembling candy and food. The VCCA's proposed solution is to place products that resemble food behind the counter, akin to the regulation of cigarettes, to ensure age verification before purchase.
With over 1,200 kids and teens hospitalized in the first half of 2023 for cannabis ingestion, the Commonwealth faces a potential record-breaking year for pediatric ER visits. The VCCA is keen on providing additional protections for minors purchasing hemp products online, suggesting age verification for all product types, not just smokable ones.
You May Also Read: How to Get a Marijuana Card in Virginia 2022
The Virginia’s CCA's proactive approach also involves advocating for enhanced testing of medical cannabis products to ensure safety. Preiss underscores the need to test for potential contaminants, aligning with practices in other states.
In the realm of traffic safety, Virginia's CCA aims to educate the public about DUI consequences for cannabis-impaired driving and an open container law that applies to medical cannabis in vehicles.
Read Also: Who can qualify for Medical Marijuana in Virginia?
Looking ahead to 2024
The VCCA prioritizes establishing a pharmaceutical processor in Health District 1 of the Shenandoah Valley to provide medical cannabis, addressing legal hurdles currently impeding this service. Despite their regulatory role, the VCCA emphasizes that they do not intend to be perceived as the cannabis police but rather as regulators and educators, fostering a responsible and safe cannabis industry in Virginia.
FAQs
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Currently, it does not look like recreational sales of marijuana will come to Virginia in 2024. However, patients with qualifying conditions can receive their medical marijuana card in order to purchase medical cannabis from licensed state dispensaries.
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The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority is actively addressing the concern of cannabis products appealing to minors. One proposal is to place products that resemble food behind the counter, similar to regulations for cigarettes, ensuring age verification before purchase. Additionally, the CCA is advocating for enhanced protections for minors buying hemp products online, aiming to implement age verification for all product types.
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The Cannabis Control Authority is prioritizing safety by proposing further testing on cannabis products. They believe that since these products are becoming more accessible, comprehensive testing for potential contaminants, mirroring practices in other states, is essential to ensure the safety of consumers. The CCA emphasizes a commitment to making cannabis products as safe as possible for public consumption.
