Constituent Newsletter - June 22nd, 2021





Dear Jack,


I hope you and your family are doing well during these tough times. From now on, we'll be sending out biweekly Bulletins to update you on all the information you need in the 13th District. Please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns you may have regarding legislation or state policy. If you are having trouble with a state agency, such as the VEC or the DMV, we are happy to assist you and be your advocate. You can call our office at 571-367-9080, or email us at [email protected].

Sincerely,


Senator John J. Bell
Senator of Virginia
13th District

 





Marijuana Legalization July 1st



As you may know, HB2312/SB1406, which legalized recreational marijuana in Virginia, passed the General Assembly this year and will go into effect July 1st. My office has received some correspondence from our constituents asking for clarification on this new law. I wanted to take a moment today to help shed some light on the new policies, and make sure you know what will and will not be legal as of July 1st.

 

What will be legal:

 

Possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. You may have in your possession up to one ounce of marijuana if you are 21 years or older. You may use marijuana recreationally in a private residence -- however, the homeowner has the right to restrict marijuana usage in their home.

 

Possession of up to four marijuana plants. You may grow up to four marijuana plants in your own home. Only four plants are allowed per household, not per person. Those plants must be clearly labeled with your name, driver’s license or ID number, and a statement that you are growing the plants for recreational use as allowed by law. These plants must be kept out of the reach of children and may not be visible from public areas.

 

Sharing and gifting between adults. You may share or gift up to one ounce of marijuana to another adult (21+) for free.

 

Medical cannabis. Individuals who use medical cannabis can continue to receive their cannabis through a dispensary with an authorization from their doctor and a registration through the Board of Pharmacy.

 

What will not be legal:

 

Possessing more than one ounce of marijuana or more than four marijuana plants.

 

Using or possessing marijuana if you are under the age of 21. 

 

Selling marijuana. It is not legal to sell marijuana in Virginia. On January 1st, 2024, legal sales of marijuana will begin; until then, it is illegal to sell marijuana plants or seeds in Virginia. Selling and possession with intent to distribute are still crimes. In addition, marijuana cannot be included as a “free” gift as part of a purchase -- this is a potential loophole that is frequently exploited elsewhere, but it will not be legal in Virginia.

 

Driving under the influence of marijuana. Driving under the influence is still just as illegal and dangerous as it was before. Please use common sense -- if you choose to use marijuana, do not get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. The General Assembly has allocated money towards police departments to train officers on how to spot folks who are driving under the influence, and this will be taken seriously. Either get a designated driver, or stay home when you’re under the influence.

 

If you choose to use marijuana recreationally, please be safe and responsible, and make sure you know the law.

 







Mask Mandate Ending

On June 30th, Governor Northam's declaration of a state of emergency in the Commonwealth due to the COVID-19 pandemic will expire. When the state of emergency expires, so will the current executive order on mask usage. Unfortunately, when this order expires, face coverings and face masks will be illegal again, as they were prior to the pandemic. Obviously, this is not ideal, and we are looking into changing the law as soon as possible. Until then, law enforcement departments are being encouraged to use discretion in enforcing the law on this, and we will be staying up to date on any other changes on this.





Coronavirus Numbers 06/22




Confirmed Cases (US): 33,368,860



Covid-19 Deaths (US): 599,534



VA Population Vaccinated w/ One Dose: 57.9%



VA Population Fully Vaccinated: 49.5%



VA Adults Vaccinated w/ One Dose: 70%



VA Adults Fully Vaccinated: 60.5%



Confirmed Cases (VA): 678,909



Covid-19 Deaths (VA): 11,367



Confirmed Cases (Loudoun): 28,051



Covid-19 Deaths (Loudoun): 282



Confirmed Cases (PWC): 51,236



Covid-19 Deaths (PWC): 564

























Richmond

(804) 698-7513



District

(571) 367-9080





[email protected]





www.senatorbell.com




















Senator John Bell
900 E. Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219







---------------------------------------------------------------
| Paid for and Authorized by John Bell for State Senate |
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John Bell for State Senate
P.O. Box 4489
Broadlands VA 20148 United States

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