Governor Terry McAuliff has signed legislation, Senate Bill 701 into law to establish regulations governing the in-state production of therapeutic oils high in cannabdiol and/or THC-A (THC acid). NORML would like to thank Governor McAuliffe, an early supporter of SB 701, for his continued dedication to advancing this measure, as well as to those in the state who lobbied for this change.
Under a 2015 law, qualifying patients are provided an affirmative medical defense if they possess cannabis plant extracts plant that contains at least 15 percent cannabidiol, but no more than five percent tetrahydrocannabinol. However, the law provides no legal supply source for these products and, as a result, it has largely failed to meet the needs of patients.
Senate Bill 701 requires the Board of Pharmacy to adopt regulations establishing health, safety, and security requirements for pharmaceutical processors of oils high in CBD and/or THC-A. The measure takes effect on July 1, 2016 and will no doubt be subject to further debate in next year’s legislative session.
Although more than a dozen states now explicitly exempt criminal prosecution for qualified patients who possess CBD extracts, to date none of these states provides for in-state production of these products.
Additional information regarding this and other pending marijuana law reform legislation is available by contacting Virginia NORML. Or follow them on Facebook.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws – Advocacy Campaigns
