August is here and though summer is winding down, Virginia NORML is swinging into action. This month we’ll focus on letter writing to lawmakers and commissions in support of common sense marijuana policy reform. We’re gearing up for our national conference and lobby day in September, relaunching our Hampton Roads chapter, and celebrating two successful years in Culpeper County. Now with seven events happening around the state every month, there are more opportunities than ever for Virginians to actively support reform in their neighborhoods.

A common cliché for overcoming a difficult obstacle asks, “how do you eat an elephant?” The answer is, “one bite at a time.” In Virginia politics, the tough question facing cannabis policy reform advocates is, “how do you change the minds of political Elephants?" The answer is, “one law at a time.” Although progress in cannabis reform has been slow in Virginia, two recent bills signed by Governor Terry McAuliffe are significant signs that change is coming, and quicker than ever before.

Recently, the Virginia State Crime Commission agreed to undertake a study on decriminalization. From a perspective well-represented in comments on Facebook, decriminalization has been implemented around the country for nearly two decades. And, with the nationwide trend toward regulating both adult and medical use, why does Virginia still need a study? Why won’t Virginia lawmakers just move forward with the seemingly obvious solution of decriminalization? The answer lies in legislative procedure.

On March 28, 2017, Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam was in lively downtown Norfolk for a fundraising event hosted by several local residents at the art gallery and event space Work│Release. With cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, the atmosphere was that of a classy celebration. Despite recent events and elections viewed unfavorably by the gathered democratic supporters, this event focused on hopeful future longed for by most Americans. Ralph Northam made his case for why he was the man to bring Virginia to that future.

You can only do something the first time once. For the first time, Virginia is implementing rules and regulations that will allow the creation of a regulated medical marijuana industry in Virginia. The executive director of Virginia NORML traveled to Norfolk for a presentation on the ins and outs of the new law.

On March 7th, Decriminalize Virginia Beach’s first event was a success. Why? Because it happened. For an issue to be discussed by a city council, it must be brought before the city council. After over 25 years of living in this city, I have finally realized the power of speaking truth to power in a professional presentation. With only three minutes, it also had to be concise.

Hampton Roads includes nine independent Virginia cities, with the Chesapeake Bay dividing the Southside and the Peninsula. Much like the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel connects these two regions, the rising support for decriminalization is uniting communities across Southeastern Virginia.

Although the Virginia Beach Tea Party does not generally invoke thoughts of marijuana reform, thankfully, this is not the case. At a forum sponsored by the group, three Republican Lieutenant Governor candidates squared off to highlight their individual strengths. To be blunt, there were significant differences, particularly on the topic of marijuana policy.

There were a historic 21 marijuana-related bills presented in the Virginia General Assembly this year. Unfortunately, most were dead on arrival in the Virginia House of Delegates. Each of the 6 expungement bills, both decriminalization bills, and the drivers license decrim bill, heard by the House Courts of Justice Criminal Law subcommittee were killed along party lines, with Republicans voting to table each of the 9 pieces of legislation. Vivienne Smith, the Director of the Virginia chapter of Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition stated that she was disappointed the republicans on the committee so swiftly tabled bills supported by the majority of Virginians. “It’s unfortunate that the republicans in the House aren’t being more pragmatic. Marijuana is now a mainstream topic of debate and will only become more so as we approach the 2016 elections. Holding steadfast to the notion that marijuana users are criminals will only hurt our party.”

Pam Novy, the Executive Director of Virginia NORML, states that she remains optimistic, in spite of the recent setback. “While the likelihood of advancing similar legislation now in the Senate has certainly decreased, it’s clear that many republican lawmakers see the need for change. Many are now willing to admit, at least privately, that criminalizing a substance that’s been used by nearly half of Virginians is simply wrong.”

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Virginia NORML shows lawmakers that cannabis reform is a SERIOUS issue for constituents RIGHT NOW.

Check out this entertaining video produced by Brian & Tammy Mundy, Jefferson Area NORML's fearless 2015 leadership, on preparing to put your best foot forward for Lobby Day.

Join Virginia NORML's grassroots movement for cannabis reform in Richmond on January 14 for Lobby Day, as we visit lawmakers and their legislative aides in person.  Register: vanorml.org/lobby