Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a legal framework for the sale of recreational marijuana.

Highlights:

• Requires the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to be responsible for the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, and provide oversight of its law-enforcement operations (Sec. 2.2-221A & Sec. 2.2-221B.19).

• Establishes a maximum tetrahydrocannabinol level for retail marijuana products which shall not exceed (Sec. 4.1-606B.7):

• 5 milligrams per serving for edible marijuana products; or

• 50 milligrams per package for edible marijuana products.

• Authorizes localities to petition the circuit court for a referendum prohibiting marijuana establishments (Sec. 4.1-629A).

• Requires a non-transferable and separate license, up to three years, for each location of business posted in a conspicuous place to the public which includes (Sec. 4.1-702):

• A mariijuana cultivation facility license;

• A marijuana manufacturing facility license;

• A marijuana testing facility license;

• A marijuana wholesaler license; and

• A retail marijuana store license.

• Requires every licensed facility, wholesaler, and store to keep complete, accurate, and separate records of all retail marijuana and marijuana products it purchased, manufactured, sold, or shipped (Sec. 4.1-703A-D).

• Requires marijuana stores to only sell products in direct, face-to-face exchanges to persons 21 years of age or older and prohibits the following (Sec. 4.1-804):

• A marijuana store may not sell more than one ounce of products in a single transaction to one person;

• A store may not employ anyone under 21 years of age;

• A retailer may not sell product between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. or to anyone intoxicated and attempting to purchase marijuana for others younger than 21 years old; and

• A store must provide Board-approved information of potential risks of marijuana use and must train employees to be able to discuss it with consumers.

• Prohibits individuals from holding more than one type of license at the same time (Sec. 4.1-805).

• Prohibits licensee or employees to use or consume marijuana products on store premises unless for quality control purposes approved by the Board (Sec. 4.1-808).

Full Bill Text