Prohibitionists Stopped in Virginia
Early Bender-Werth
A dazzling array of tough anti-drug laws failed to pass the Virginia
General Assembly because they were opposed by a considerable reform
lobby. The measures would have increased marijuana felonies, given
courts broad authority to continue cases despite improper procedures
or incomplete lab tests and allowed additional fines in drug cases.
Virginians Against Drug Violence teamed up with Virginia's Cannabis
Action Network and DC Metro Normal to attend the many legislative
meetings in which these proposals were considered. "This year we had a
real show of force" said Lennice Werth, "with lots of
anti-prohibitionists showing up at the state house to voice their
dissatisfaction with this kind of legislation."
Kennith Griffin and Bobby Richards of VA CAN testified before the
House and Senate Courts of Justice committees. Mr. Richards reminded
senators that two of Virginia's most famous founding fathers, George
Washington and Thomas Jefferson enjoyed cultivating hemp plants. The
group used charts to show that Marijuana arrests are up dramatically
in Virginia and therefore tougher penalties, if written into law,
would have a greater effect. Many of the legislators were troubled by
the statistics which showed that just over half of all drug arrests in
Virginia were for marijuana.
For immediate action:
HB 504 passed in a dangerously vague form. Let Governor George Allen
your Delegate and Senator know it needs to be brought into focus by
cleaner language. Also prepare to battle against the "Double Jeopardy"
amendment that will be on the ballot this fall. Call the Governor at
(804) 786-2211.
Here are the results of your efforts on specific bills:
SB34, SB58 Seeds and stems in several forms
HB96, HB169 all to increase marijuana felonies.
(ALL DEAD!)
SB435, SJR73 To legalize double jeopardy.
(Passed but must be approved by voters in November election.)
HB646, SB53 Make courts continue cases that are now
dropped due to incomplete lab tests, or
improper procedures.
(BOTH DEAD)
HB1002 $1000 additional fine for possession or
distribution charges to go to local authorities.
(DEAD)
SB67, SB355 These bills would cause small time first
HB1054 offenders to have permanent criminal records,
pay for their own rehab and deny parole when
no treatment is available.
(Only 355 passed amended so
it won't have much effect.)
HB504 Denies bail to drug offenders.
(Passed, amended but still a
bad bill, call the governor!)
SB183, HB1052 Allows greatly expanded use of military for
drug law enforcement, particularly for searching
private property.
(Amended to limit military to aerial
searches, a real victory for us.)
SB59 Treats possession same as sales.
(DEAD, also DEAD a back door attempt
to attach it to another bill.)
HB949, HB950 Various bills calling for the drug
HB579 testing of high school students.
HB949 is the strongest with HB579
calling for "voluntary" testing only.
(ALL DEAD)
Altogether the group monitored a total of 48 bills. For more info
contact Lennice Werth (eb...@ix.netcom.com)
Rt 3 Box 692 Crewe, VA 23930 (804) 645-8816 FAX (804) 645-8324