NORML Spring ’25 Intern Lily Wallis shares her experience with the NORML Internship program.
Thirty-two Senate Republicans and one Democrat voted against the bill, which would have reduced penalties involving the possession of up to one-half ounce of cannabis to a noncriminal infraction.
The bill provides relief for over 175,000 people with low-level marijuana convictions.
“Implementation was followed by an immediate reduction and sustained declining trend in the illegal cannabis market.”
NORML has consistently lobbied against the proposed hikes, arguing that increasing taxes will unduly burden both consumers and licensed retailers.
“Marylanders already pay a premium tax on retail cannabis products. Raising these taxes even higher will undoubtedly drive prices out of reach for some consumers. They will also hurt state-licensed businesses, many of which have already invested millions of dollars in up-front costs and are still struggling to break even.”
Despite growing public support for legalization, there remains a vocal yet powerful minority intent on maintaining the failed policy of cannabis criminalization.
“Once again, Governor Youngkin has prioritized his personal politics over public safety, opting to keep control of Virginia’s marijuana market squarely in the hands of unregulated operators.”