Virginia NORML in the News
State panel handing out Virginia’s first medical marijuana licenses will conduct work in secret
Richmond Times Dispatch
Reform Group: Transparency Needed in Medical Marijuana Licensing Process
Public News Service
O’Connor Brewing supports pot legalization with 5-day festival starting Monday
The Virginian-Pilot
Legalize Virginia Festival
Next week O’Connor Brewing Co. in Norfolk is becoming O’Cannabis Brewing Co.
Virginia NORML is teaming up with OBC to present the very first Legalize Virginia Festival.
Each night the week of September 10 through 14 will be a different event designed to elevate the conversation about cannabis policy reform in Virginia. These include forums on cannabis as medicine, marijuana and race in Virginia, and what a city like Norfolk can do to be more progressive and proactive about the issue.
On Friday, September 14, OBC will release YES, NORFOLK CAN(yon): a twist on the classic Norfolk Canyon - a quadruple dry-hopped American pale ale brewed with hemp seed.
The event will also feature live glass blowing, local craft vendors, a live DJ yoga class with Sky’s the Limit Yoga and DJ Kenny Murray, and more. The wildly popular NOMARAMA Munchie Market will be on hand, with numerous local food innovators present, including Chip Chop, a new fry pop up; a new concept by Pendulum called Pearl; S’mores Amore; and Steel Spade Gelato.
Entry is free to all events, and a portion of proceeds of Legalize Virginia Festival benefit Virginia NORML.
EVENT SCHEDULE
MONDAY, 9/10
7-8pm Marijuana Saved My Life: Cannabis as Medicine in Virginia
A forum on the new medical cannabis law, who it will help, and how to talk to your doctor about whether or not medical cannabis might be right for you.
8-9pm Growing What’s Good: How to Grow Hops…. and Theoretically Also Hemp
Learn about the botany, the best time and place to grow, and more about these amazing plants that have long histories in the Commonwealth.
TUESDAY, 9/11
5-7pm Virginia Cannabis Industry Association Happy Hour
The cannabis industry is moving full steam ahead in Virginia! What better place to kick off the VCIA networking series than O’Connor Brewing Co.’s Legalize Virginia Festival? Join us for a happy hour to meet, mix and mingle with leaders in the Commonwealth’s newest emerging market. Learn how to join and the benefits of membership in the Virginia Cannabis Industry Association
7-8pm Equity and Expungement: Talking Marijuana and Race in Virginia
Topics addressed will include the disparity in arrest rates among white Virginians and Virginians of color, the expungement of marijuana offense records, and how the brand new regulated cannabis industry in Virginia can best benefit all, including those that have been the victim of the War on Drugs.
8-9pm Entering the Marijuana Industry in Virginia
Join the Virginia Cannabis Industry Association and Virginia Cannabis Group for an overview of how the marijuana industry will be developing in the Commonwealth now that dispensaries are on the way.
THURSDAY, 9/13
7-8pm Can Norfolk Legalize Marijuana?
Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, so no, Norfolk cannot legalize marijuana. But there are things that municipalities in Virginia can do to lessen the impact of the war on cannabis from now until prohibition ends.
8-9pm Activist School: Becoming a Kick Ass — and Majorly Effective -- Marijuana Reform Advocate
Learn how to be the change you want to see in the world with Virginia’s leading marijuana policy reform expert, Jenn Michelle Pedini. She will walk you through the best way to use your time, talent, and resources to help move this issue forward in the Commonwealth. Topics discussed will include how to talk to your elected officials, what effective communication looks like, and how to organize to multiply influence and impact.
FRIDAY, 9/14
3pm- 12am Legalize Virginia Festival + Yes We Can(yon) Release Party
Featuring NOMARAMA Munchie Market, independent vendors, the beer release, DJs, dance party, a pop up yoga class with Sky’s The Limit Yoga at 7pm, and a bunch of fun surprises.
Take Action
Write your lawmakers in support of Senator Adam Ebbin’s decriminalization bill, SB997, in under 30 seconds. It’s time for #FinesNotCrimes, Virginia!
The registration process for Virginia physicians, patients and caregivers is now open. The previously issued certificate is no longer available and is not sufficient for asserting an affirmative defense without registration. Patients and caregivers must receive a written certification from a registered physician in order to register for the program. Here’s what you can do now:
1. Find a registered physician
2. Share the Emerging Clinical Applications book with your own physician and ask them to register today
Until facilities are operational, patients must still take extraordinary measures to obtain oils from out of state. Of course, marijuana remains federally illegal making transport of any cannabis product across any state line federally illegal. To learn more about the program and for answer to frequently asked questions, check out the Virginia Medical Cannabis FAQs page or give us a call for more information.
Our work expanding Virginia’s medical cannabis program is nowhere close to done. We need to eliminate or raise the THC cap, add additional products like flower and lozenges, and allow for more facilities. If you’re ready to make sure we have a robust program with greater selection and access, it’s time to chip in. Together, we made history this session. We can’t stop now. Keep Virginia NORML in front of legislators year round with your donation.
Virginia NORML September Events
Legalize Virginia Festival
September 10-14
O’Connor Brewing Co.
211 W 24th St
Norfolk, VA 23517
Virginia Cannabis Industry Association Happy Hour
Tuesday, September 11, 5pm
O’Connor Brewing Co.
211 W 24th St
Norfolk, VA 23517
Roanoke Valley NORML September Meeting
Thursday, September 13, 7pm
The Green Goat
802 Wiley Drive Southwest
Roanoke, VA 24015
RSVP with your $10 suggested donation
Legalize VA Fest Yoga Sesh
Friday, September 14, 7pm
O’Connor Brewing Co.
211 W 24th St
Norfolk, VA 23517
Tickets $10
Virginia Medical Cannabis Information Session
Sunday, September 16, 12pm
Gather - Downtown
409 E Main St
Richmond, VA 23219
RSVP with your $10 suggested donation
NORML Night at Parkway
Thursday, September 20, 6pm
Parkway Brewing Company
739 Kessler Mill Rd
Salem, VA 24153
RSVP with your $10 suggested donation
Virginia NORML at VA Pridefest 2018
Saturday, September 22, 11am
Brown's Island
S 7th St
Richmond, VA 23219
Volunteer at the table
Harrisonburg NORML September Meeting
Tuesday, September 25, 7pm
The Golden Pony
181 N Main St
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
RSVP with your $10 suggested donation
Winchester NORML September Meeting
Thursday, September 27, 6pm
Handley Regional Library
Benham Gallery
100 W Piccadilly St
Winchester, VA 22601
RSVP with your $10 suggested donation
Join the Revolution
Become a card carrying member of Virginia NORML today when you join for only $25!
Get your membership card!
Interns and Volunteers Needed!
Calling all volunteers! Do you have a few hours to spare during the week? Virginia NORML needs your help in our Richmond office. Volunteers should have a laptop and experience working in an office environment. We’ll put you to work mailing membership packets, organizing inventory, drafting documents and researching information.
Fall internships available! If you are college student or recent graduate interested public policy, government relations or nonprofit management, kindly email your letter of interest and résumé to [email protected].
Virginia NORML’s work is supported by thousands of people throughout the Commonwealth as we work to advance marijuana reform at both the state and federal level.
Can you kick in $25, $100 or $500 to help us keep going?
Have a question for Virginia NORML? Want to host an event in your town? Drop us a line at [email protected], message us on Facebook or give us a call Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm at 804-464-7050.