Dear Delegates, As I sit here thinking of all the genetic illness’s I suffer with. I can not help to wonder why you would not make this medicine available to people who suffer. My background was in the medical field, now disabled due to Ehlers Danlos syndrome (genetic disorder never goes away) and almost all of its comorbidities! Look it up it’s living with extreme flu symptoms everyday on top of the rest and your collagen being like faulty bubble gum. You wake up with bruises just because it’s part of the disease migraines and nausea .Which I am now limited to treatment options as well as pain management and am allergic to most meds I have adverse reactions due to my genetic illnesses. As well I have seizures, tremors, CPTSD from severe trauma and all forms of abuse. Cervical spondylosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic tachycardia and bradycardia when my body decides to throw a fit. Also sleeping with all these conditions is almost impossible and I wish it in no one. But I do wish we could find the good in this! Revenue for Va, roads and school systems , small businesses, People not suffering more than necessary “ let’s be humane”, how about our Emergency response crews who deal with trauma everyday and need to sleep/ mental break, let’s end prohibition on cannabis. It’s not fair alcohol is the one that makes people violent, abusive and kill. I grew up in that legal drinking home of abuse. As a person of 46 years of age this is the only option for relief. Why should we be penalized by doctors or jobs? They don’t alcohol test first if they did, most wouldn’t be treated like cannabis users. My daughter was having major surgeries in Colorado this year for our genetic illness. A surgeon walked out and came to talk to the family beside me. His advice to the family was get him some Strongest medicinal marijuana and yes he emphasized it. Best Regards, Linda Ludin

To the Delegates of General Laws Subcommittee #5, My name is Ryan Suit and I am an attorney and owner of a CBD and Cannabis company in Virginia Beach. I am writing to implore you to pass HB1750. Virginia needs an avenue for legal adult use cannabis sales. We need to ensure the safety of Virginia cannabis products by enforcing testing standards and proper labeling requirements. We need to keep cannabis products out of the hands of children by ensuring that those products are only sold at licensed retail stores. We need to allow licensed and tax-paying businesses, like those owned and operated by hemp growers and processors, to have access to an industry that is currently dominated by illicit sales. We need to ensure those in historically depressed areas who have been hurt by the war on drugs have a fair shot at getting into the cannabis industry. We need to generate tax revenue for the commonwealth, which can be used to better our communities in a litany of different ways. All of this can be done at once with an adult use cannabis sales bill. I support HB1750 as the best vehicle to achieve the above goals, and also support HB1464 in the event that HB1750 does not pass. Additionally, I align my comments with Greg Habeeb and the Virginia Cannabis Association. Thank you for your time and consideration of my comments, and for all of your hard work on this important issue.

This is a good bill. My concerns are the following; Current medical dispensary licensing is lopsided and unattainable for the small businesses we were told 1.5 years ago would be considered first. Current medical dispensaries can not meet demand on medical with quality and testing verses supply needs now. This bill doesn’t address the need for small businesses and property owners cultivation licensing. If Va wants to reap the tax benefits then we need to join the growing number of states requiring cultivation only within Va. We have an obligation in Virginia to allow small businesses and property owners the ability to become licensed to cultivate and or licensing to operate a dispensary. Current population of Va see a handful of dispensaries who can’t meet the needs of the population and are owned by folks currently involved in politics or actively seated in office. This is a bad look for Virginia. Small businesses with property and assets on hand should not be discriminated against by those who can pay 10 to 50 thousand dollars to apply for a license they may not even get. This needs to be fair. In summary if given a chance to speak I would implore the committee to move forward with this bill but we need to put in place checks and balances to avoid monopoly licensure as many see it currently. More importantly I would as a committee want the groundwork in place for supporting these dispensaries. We need to enact cultivation licensing now in order to keep it in Virginia and be ready by June and January 24. Thank you for the ability to be heard.

While using Medical Cannabis Dispensaries as a stop-gap until Retail licensing is available will benefit the Adult recreational use community, we should be mindful that patients are given priority access for the relief that they need. This could be patient only days or hours for instance. Additionally, if this is approved as a stop-gap, there should be a definitive date for retail sales through licensed recreational providers rather than a floating target date that could be further delayed, putting more strain on the Medical Cannabis Dispensaries.

Any bill that supports the retail market through the medical cannabis providers will further weaken the current quality and quantity of the medical cannabis offerings. Patients wait as much as 12 weeks for the medical cannabis product that was discussed with their practitioner and has provided the benefit that they need. The focus of the medical cannabis producers has pivoted from medical patient care to that of recreational, which is evidence by the accompanying lines of products they carry. The key comment I have heard from patients is that they are uncomfortable in the dispensaries as they carry lighters, other smoking devices and it seems less medical and more recreational. The medical dispensaries need to do a much better job focusing on what they were licensed to do. Have a continual supply of products that benefit and work for the patients and cease catering to the recreational user who received their medical certificate through a 1-800 number or a Groupon for $69.00. People are hurting because the medical processors want to be in the recreational field, and treat the medical process and the patients with disregard.

Comments Document

The Commonwealth of Virginia has a rich and storied history in the cultivation and use of cannabis and hemp. As early as the 1700s, Virginia farmers were growing hemp for textile production, making it a vital component of the state's economy. In 1979, Virginia became the first state in the union to recognize the medical potential of cannabis, a discovery that would change the course of history for patients and healthcare providers alike. As we move forward, it is imperative that we build on this legacy and create a cannabis industry that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. This legislation is a commitment to the people of Virginia to create a cannabis industry that benefits all, and to make Virginia a leader in the national conversation on cannabis legalization and regulation.

Comments Document

I've included all my statement of Support or Opposition in one easy to read PDF.

We strongly support HB1881 as it gives all Virginians a fair chance to participate in the incoming recreational cannabis market. It truly is a bill for the people. We support HB1750, as long as it is amended to not allow existing medical processors a head start to begin recreational sales before anyone else. We also would like to see a true social equity component added back into the bill. We STRONGLY OPPOSE HB1464, as this would essentially give 4 companies reign to monopolize the recreational industry in Virginia before the market is even established. These major processors have already received multi-million dollar head starts by monopolizing the medicinal space in the state, and at least half of the companies are out of state operators, which means their profits don’t even benefit the Virginia economy! We can do this the right way, where locally owned Virginia companies thrive and the Virginia economy thrives. Please vote no to HB1464, and vote yes to HB1881. Thank you, Savana Griffith

I'm glad that we've come this far as a state but do not dwindle it away by giving a monopoly to cresco and col-care. What happened to creating jobs for Virginians? Not these multi-state multi billion dollar companies who only care for quantity at the expense of quality leaving people at risk for consuming pesticide. Cresco already has allegations in other states with poor quality control with no oversight. What happened to both parties caring about the individual? The working class? Instead Virginians have no voice in Virginia only those with deep pockets... Let Virginia be about Virginians.

In 2021, the Commonwealth of Virginia legalized marijuana. Since then the commonwealth has been in grey area wrt marijuana. The delaying the sale for adult use does not stop the use. Allowing legal sales quickly so the product sold is safe and only sold to adults is the priority of the commonwealth. Today Cresco operates a majority of the medical storefronts the the proposed bills will only increase Cresco's gripe on the market. The spirit of legalization was to help people of color run legal adult use establishments, not create a monopoly for Cresco under the direction of Virginia's NORML chapter. Please allow non multi-state to open establishments to receive licenses and open before Cresco and others multi-state companies to open more (they run all the medical dispensaries) establishments.

Multiple bills have been introduced to regulate the retail sale of cannabis to adults 21 and older. The question is no longer whether or not Virginia should legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older. That question was asked and answered in 2021 with the passage of legalization legislation. The time has come to make sure that Virginians have access to cannabis that is safe, legal, and affordable. Forcing Virginians to wait, particularly given that state-licensed dispensaries are already operational, fails to provide for public and consumer safety, and continues to cede control of the cannabis market to unregulated, untaxed, illicit operators. Furthermore, many people too poor to afford a medical certificate and regulated marijuana; banning certain hemp products while failing to create a regulated recreational marijuana market hurts these people as well as Virginia's hemp farmers. Finally, the cost of medical marijuana is too high; I hope that legalizing a recreational market will bring down the cost of my medicine.

I'm writing as a concerned citizen. I'm concerned the efforts of these bills are going to solely benefit one multi-billion dollar corporation, Cresco, and its "lobbyist", Virginia NORML. Cresco has a essential monopoly on the Virginia market, controlling 40% of the licenses (gLeaf and Columbia Care) and even more of the overall market space. These bills, particularly HB1464, will encourage this further, and create serious issues for the market space. Cresco has serious issues in other states with product quality and quality assurance in general. Virginians should be leading the Virginia market space, not a company that only speaks in dollars and cents, and has been anti consumer for years. Please, I beg of this subcommittee, to consider amendments that will encourage small and micro businesses to join the Virginia market space, and not give Cresco a 15 month monopoly on the adult use space. Thank you for reading this.

Dear Delegates, As I sit here thinking of all the genetic illness’s I suffer with. I can not help to wonder why you would not make this medicine available to people who suffer. My background was in the medical field, now disabled due to Ehlers Danlos syndrome (genetic disorder never goes away) and almost all of its comorbidities! Look it up it’s living with extreme flu symptoms everyday on top of the rest and your collagen being like faulty bubble gum. You wake up with bruises just because it’s part of the disease migraines and nausea .Which I am now limited to treatment options as well as pain management and am allergic to most meds I have adverse reactions due to my genetic illnesses. As well I have seizures, tremors, CPTSD from severe trauma and all forms of abuse. Cervical spondylosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic tachycardia and bradycardia when my body decides to throw a fit. Also sleeping with all these conditions is almost impossible and I wish it in no one. But I do wish we could find the good in this! Revenue for Va, roads and school systems , small businesses, People not suffering more than necessary “ let’s be humane”, how about our Emergency response crews who deal with trauma everyday and need to sleep/ mental break, let’s end prohibition on cannabis. It’s not fair alcohol is the one that makes people violent, abusive and kill. I grew up in that legal drinking home of abuse. As a person of 46 years of age this is the only option for relief. Why should we be penalized by doctors or jobs? They don’t alcohol test first if they did, most wouldn’t be treated like cannabis users. My daughter was having major surgeries in Colorado this year for our genetic illness. A surgeon walked out and came to talk to the family beside me. His advice to the family was get him some Strongest medicinal marijuana and yes he emphasized it. Best Regards, Linda Ludin

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……..

To the Delegates of General Laws Subcommittee #5, My name is Ryan Suit and I am an attorney and owner of a CBD and Cannabis company in Virginia Beach. I am writing to implore you to pass HB1750. Virginia needs an avenue for legal adult use cannabis sales. We need to ensure the safety of Virginia cannabis products by enforcing testing standards and proper labeling requirements. We need to keep cannabis products out of the hands of children by ensuring that those products are only sold at licensed retail stores. We need to allow licensed and tax-paying businesses, like those owned and operated by hemp growers and processors, to have access to an industry that is currently dominated by illicit sales. We need to ensure those in historically depressed areas who have been hurt by the war on drugs have a fair shot at getting into the cannabis industry. We need to generate tax revenue for the commonwealth, which can be used to better our communities in a litany of different ways. All of this can be done at once with an adult use cannabis sales bill. I support HB1750 as the best vehicle to achieve the above goals, and also support HB1464 in the event that HB1750 does not pass. Additionally, I align my comments with Greg Habeeb and the Virginia Cannabis Association. Thank you for your time and consideration of my comments, and for all of your hard work on this important issue.

This bill to regulate the recreational cannabis market in Virginia is basically a throwaway to multi state operators and a cash grab giving the current medical license holders a year long un checked headstart on a brand new cannabis market. It does not foster free market competition. It does Nothing it address the inequities of the drug war and helping marginalized groups create small businesses. It’s pure corporate corruption at its worst. Here is what I would like to see from a future recreational market that treats consumers with respect and ultimately creates real value for the commonwealth: 1. I want to see a market very similar to the craft beer market we see today. People can make the choice to go to the big box brands like coors, Budweiser etc. and get average but mass produced product, but they also have the ability to go to a craft small business grower and get the quality cannabis that they want and truly have a choice of where to spend their money. Today as medical patients we have gleaf, beyond hello, and rise , all mass produced MSOs who aren’t putting the patients, and future recreational customers first at all. 2. More licenses being issued and more resources to help small businesses upscale and compete with these large MSOs. The game can’t just be for cresco. That benefits no one but the board of cresco and the politicians whose pockets they’ve greased. The citizens and consumers are left in last place in this scenario. This is not rocket science. There are dozens of other states who have thriving markets abd competition. 3. Expand the home grow allowances. Allow more plants per household to be grown and create an avenue for these real artisan growers to have a legitimate shot at entering the retail market. Do your jobs, listen to the majority of people who want access to quality products at competitive prices, and act like the conservative free market capitalists you like to say you are.

While using Medical Cannabis Dispensaries as a stop-gap until Retail licensing is available will benefit the Adult recreational use community, we should be mindful that patients are given priority access for the relief that they need. This could be patient only days or hours for instance. Additionally, if this is approved as a stop-gap, there should be a definitive date for retail sales through licensed recreational providers rather than a floating target date that could be further delayed, putting more strain on the Medical Cannabis Dispensaries.

Any bill that supports the retail market through the medical cannabis providers will further weaken the current quality and quantity of the medical cannabis offerings. Patients wait as much as 12 weeks for the medical cannabis product that was discussed with their practitioner and has provided the benefit that they need. The focus of the medical cannabis producers has pivoted from medical patient care to that of recreational, which is evidence by the accompanying lines of products they carry. The key comment I have heard from patients is that they are uncomfortable in the dispensaries as they carry lighters, other smoking devices and it seems less medical and more recreational. The medical dispensaries need to do a much better job focusing on what they were licensed to do. Have a continual supply of products that benefit and work for the patients and cease catering to the recreational user who received their medical certificate through a 1-800 number or a Groupon for $69.00. People are hurting because the medical processors want to be in the recreational field, and treat the medical process and the patients with disregard.

Comments Document

The Commonwealth of Virginia has a rich and storied history in the cultivation and use of cannabis and hemp. As early as the 1700s, Virginia farmers were growing hemp for textile production, making it a vital component of the state's economy. In 1979, Virginia became the first state in the union to recognize the medical potential of cannabis, a discovery that would change the course of history for patients and healthcare providers alike. As we move forward, it is imperative that we build on this legacy and create a cannabis industry that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. This legislation is a commitment to the people of Virginia to create a cannabis industry that benefits all, and to make Virginia a leader in the national conversation on cannabis legalization and regulation.

We strongly support HB1881 as it gives all Virginians a fair chance to participate in the incoming recreational cannabis market. It truly is a bill for the people. We support HB1750, as long as it is amended to not allow existing medical processors a head start to begin recreational sales before anyone else. We also would like to see a true social equity component added back into the bill. We STRONGLY OPPOSE HB1464, as this would essentially give 4 companies reign to monopolize the recreational industry in Virginia before the market is even established. These major processors have already received multi-million dollar head starts by monopolizing the medicinal space in the state, and at least half of the companies are out of state operators, which means their profits don’t even benefit the Virginia economy! We can do this the right way, where locally owned Virginia companies thrive and the Virginia economy thrives. Please vote no to HB1464, and vote yes to HB1881. Thank you, Savana Griffith

I'm glad that we've come this far as a state but do not dwindle it away by giving a monopoly to cresco and col-care. What happened to creating jobs for Virginians? Not these multi-state multi billion dollar companies who only care for quantity at the expense of quality leaving people at risk for consuming pesticide. Cresco already has allegations in other states with poor quality control with no oversight. What happened to both parties caring about the individual? The working class? Instead Virginians have no voice in Virginia only those with deep pockets... Let Virginia be about Virginians.

In 2021, the Commonwealth of Virginia legalized marijuana. Since then the commonwealth has been in grey area wrt marijuana. The delaying the sale for adult use does not stop the use. Allowing legal sales quickly so the product sold is safe and only sold to adults is the priority of the commonwealth. Today Cresco operates a majority of the medical storefronts the the proposed bills will only increase Cresco's gripe on the market. The spirit of legalization was to help people of color run legal adult use establishments, not create a monopoly for Cresco under the direction of Virginia's NORML chapter. Please allow non multi-state to open establishments to receive licenses and open before Cresco and others multi-state companies to open more (they run all the medical dispensaries) establishments.

Multiple bills have been introduced to regulate the retail sale of cannabis to adults 21 and older. The question is no longer whether or not Virginia should legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older. That question was asked and answered in 2021 with the passage of legalization legislation. The time has come to make sure that Virginians have access to cannabis that is safe, legal, and affordable. Forcing Virginians to wait, particularly given that state-licensed dispensaries are already operational, fails to provide for public and consumer safety, and continues to cede control of the cannabis market to unregulated, untaxed, illicit operators. Furthermore, many people too poor to afford a medical certificate and regulated marijuana; banning certain hemp products while failing to create a regulated recreational marijuana market hurts these people as well as Virginia's hemp farmers. Finally, the cost of medical marijuana is too high; I hope that legalizing a recreational market will bring down the cost of my medicine.

I'm writing as a concerned citizen. I'm concerned the efforts of these bills are going to solely benefit one multi-billion dollar corporation, Cresco, and its "lobbyist", Virginia NORML. Cresco has a essential monopoly on the Virginia market, controlling 40% of the licenses (gLeaf and Columbia Care) and even more of the overall market space. These bills, particularly HB1464, will encourage this further, and create serious issues for the market space. Cresco has serious issues in other states with product quality and quality assurance in general. Virginians should be leading the Virginia market space, not a company that only speaks in dollars and cents, and has been anti consumer for years. Please, I beg of this subcommittee, to consider amendments that will encourage small and micro businesses to join the Virginia market space, and not give Cresco a 15 month monopoly on the adult use space. Thank you for reading this.

Dear Delegates, As I sit here thinking of all the genetic illness’s I suffer with. I can not help to wonder why you would not make this medicine available to people who suffer. My background was in the medical field, now disabled due to Ehlers Danlos syndrome (genetic disorder never goes away) and almost all of its comorbidities! Look it up it’s living with extreme flu symptoms everyday on top of the rest and your collagen being like faulty bubble gum. You wake up with bruises just because it’s part of the disease migraines and nausea .Which I am now limited to treatment options as well as pain management and am allergic to most meds I have adverse reactions due to my genetic illnesses. As well I have seizures, tremors, CPTSD from severe trauma and all forms of abuse. Cervical spondylosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic tachycardia and bradycardia when my body decides to throw a fit. Also sleeping with all these conditions is almost impossible and I wish it in no one. But I do wish we could find the good in this! Revenue for Va, roads and school systems , small businesses, People not suffering more than necessary “ let’s be humane”, how about our Emergency response crews who deal with trauma everyday and need to sleep/ mental break, let’s end prohibition on cannabis. It’s not fair alcohol is the one that makes people violent, abusive and kill. I grew up in that legal drinking home of abuse. As a person of 46 years of age this is the only option for relief. Why should we be penalized by doctors or jobs? They don’t alcohol test first if they did, most wouldn’t be treated like cannabis users. My daughter was having major surgeries in Colorado this year for our genetic illness. A surgeon walked out and came to talk to the family beside me. His advice to the family was get him some Strongest medicinal marijuana and yes he emphasized it. Best Regards, Linda Ludin

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……..

Any bill that supports the retail market through the medical cannabis providers will further weaken the current quality and quantity of the medical cannabis offerings. Patients wait as much as 12 weeks for the medical cannabis product that was discussed with their practitioner and has provided the benefit that they need. The focus of the medical cannabis producers has pivoted from medical patient care to that of recreational, which is evidence by the accompanying lines of products they carry. The key comment I have heard from patients is that they are uncomfortable in the dispensaries as they carry lighters, other smoking devices and it seems less medical and more recreational. The medical dispensaries need to do a much better job focusing on what they were licensed to do. Have a continual supply of products that benefit and work for the patients and cease catering to the recreational user who received their medical certificate through a 1-800 number or a Groupon for $69.00. People are hurting because the medical processors want to be in the recreational field, and treat the medical process and the patients with disregard.

Comments Document

The Commonwealth of Virginia has a rich and storied history in the cultivation and use of cannabis and hemp. As early as the 1700s, Virginia farmers were growing hemp for textile production, making it a vital component of the state's economy. In 1979, Virginia became the first state in the union to recognize the medical potential of cannabis, a discovery that would change the course of history for patients and healthcare providers alike. As we move forward, it is imperative that we build on this legacy and create a cannabis industry that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. This legislation is a commitment to the people of Virginia to create a cannabis industry that benefits all, and to make Virginia a leader in the national conversation on cannabis legalization and regulation.

We strongly support HB1881 as it gives all Virginians a fair chance to participate in the incoming recreational cannabis market. It truly is a bill for the people. We support HB1750, as long as it is amended to not allow existing medical processors a head start to begin recreational sales before anyone else. We also would like to see a true social equity component added back into the bill. We STRONGLY OPPOSE HB1464, as this would essentially give 4 companies reign to monopolize the recreational industry in Virginia before the market is even established. These major processors have already received multi-million dollar head starts by monopolizing the medicinal space in the state, and at least half of the companies are out of state operators, which means their profits don’t even benefit the Virginia economy! We can do this the right way, where locally owned Virginia companies thrive and the Virginia economy thrives. Please vote no to HB1464, and vote yes to HB1881. Thank you, Savana Griffith

I'm glad that we've come this far as a state but do not dwindle it away by giving a monopoly to cresco and col-care. What happened to creating jobs for Virginians? Not these multi-state multi billion dollar companies who only care for quantity at the expense of quality leaving people at risk for consuming pesticide. Cresco already has allegations in other states with poor quality control with no oversight. What happened to both parties caring about the individual? The working class? Instead Virginians have no voice in Virginia only those with deep pockets... Let Virginia be about Virginians.

In 2021, the Commonwealth of Virginia legalized marijuana. Since then the commonwealth has been in grey area wrt marijuana. The delaying the sale for adult use does not stop the use. Allowing legal sales quickly so the product sold is safe and only sold to adults is the priority of the commonwealth. Today Cresco operates a majority of the medical storefronts the the proposed bills will only increase Cresco's gripe on the market. The spirit of legalization was to help people of color run legal adult use establishments, not create a monopoly for Cresco under the direction of Virginia's NORML chapter. Please allow non multi-state to open establishments to receive licenses and open before Cresco and others multi-state companies to open more (they run all the medical dispensaries) establishments.

Dear Delegates, As I sit here thinking of all the genetic illness’s I suffer with. I can not help to wonder why you would not make this medicine available to people who suffer. My background was in the medical field, now disabled due to Ehlers Danlos syndrome (genetic disorder never goes away) and almost all of its comorbidities! Look it up it’s living with extreme flu symptoms everyday on top of the rest and your collagen being like faulty bubble gum. You wake up with bruises just because it’s part of the disease migraines and nausea .Which I am now limited to treatment options as well as pain management and am allergic to most meds I have adverse reactions due to my genetic illnesses. As well I have seizures, tremors, CPTSD from severe trauma and all forms of abuse. Cervical spondylosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic tachycardia and bradycardia when my body decides to throw a fit. Also sleeping with all these conditions is almost impossible and I wish it in no one. But I do wish we could find the good in this! Revenue for Va, roads and school systems , small businesses, People not suffering more than necessary “ let’s be humane”, how about our Emergency response crews who deal with trauma everyday and need to sleep/ mental break, let’s end prohibition on cannabis. It’s not fair alcohol is the one that makes people violent, abusive and kill. I grew up in that legal drinking home of abuse. As a person of 46 years of age this is the only option for relief. Why should we be penalized by doctors or jobs? They don’t alcohol test first if they did, most wouldn’t be treated like cannabis users. My daughter was having major surgeries in Colorado this year for our genetic illness. A surgeon walked out and came to talk to the family beside me. His advice to the family was get him some Strongest medicinal marijuana and yes he emphasized it. Best Regards, Linda Ludin

As former chief or staff in the United States Congress, I believe the best bill is HB2265.

Good morning My name is Maurice Robinson and I am writing you this evening in hopes that you will be the voice of the people. Thousands of Virginians have been able to experience the benefits of the hemp products since 2018. My family in particular; my Father and Grandmother both were diagnosed with stage 4 cancer this year. They have both been able to live a better quality of life through cannabis. It has helped with dealing with the painful side effects of the chemotherapy. There have also been numerous studies that show CBDA and THCA have reduced tumors in some cancer patients. We are in support of fair regulations in the VA hemp and Cannabis industries. HB2265 would allow more Virginians to participate in farming and producing non consumable industrial hemp products that can be used to build and other textile applications. Resulting in hundreds of new agriculture businesses in Virginia. Businesses across the state would be able to stay operational, and generate the state an untold amount in tax revenue, as well as allow access to safe, alternative medicines to thousands of good people across The Commonwealth. I am begging you to please help this bill and vote yes for HB2265. Not only am I asking as a small business partner. I am asking as a proud Virginian, born and raised. I don't want this state to fall behind where many states have excelled.

Dear Delegates, As I sit here thinking of all the genetic illness’s I suffer with. I can not help to wonder why you would not make this medicine available to people who suffer. My background was in the medical field, now disabled due to Ehlers Danlos syndrome (genetic disorder never goes away) and almost all of its comorbidities! Look it up it’s living with extreme flu symptoms everyday on top of the rest and your collagen being like faulty bubble gum. You wake up with bruises just because it’s part of the disease migraines and nausea .Which I am now limited to treatment options as well as pain management and am allergic to most meds I have adverse reactions due to my genetic illnesses. As well I have seizures, tremors, CPTSD from severe trauma and all forms of abuse. Cervical spondylosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Dysautonomia, Postural Orthostatic tachycardia and bradycardia when my body decides to throw a fit. Also sleeping with all these conditions is almost impossible and I wish it in no one. But I do wish we could find the good in this! Revenue for Va, roads and school systems , small businesses, People not suffering more than necessary “ let’s be humane”, how about our Emergency response crews who deal with trauma everyday and need to sleep/ mental break, let’s end prohibition on cannabis. It’s not fair alcohol is the one that makes people violent, abusive and kill. I grew up in that legal drinking home of abuse. As a person of 46 years of age this is the only option for relief. Why should we be penalized by doctors or jobs? They don’t alcohol test first if they did, most wouldn’t be treated like cannabis users. My daughter was having major surgeries in Colorado this year for our genetic illness. A surgeon walked out and came to talk to the family beside me. His advice to the family was get him some Strongest medicinal marijuana and yes he emphasized it. Best Regards, Linda Ludin

Any bill that supports the retail market through the medical cannabis providers will further weaken the current quality and quantity of the medical cannabis offerings. Patients wait as much as 12 weeks for the medical cannabis product that was discussed with their practitioner and has provided the benefit that they need. The focus of the medical cannabis producers has pivoted from medical patient care to that of recreational, which is evidence by the accompanying lines of products they carry. The key comment I have heard from patients is that they are uncomfortable in the dispensaries as they carry lighters, other smoking devices and it seems less medical and more recreational. The medical dispensaries need to do a much better job focusing on what they were licensed to do. Have a continual supply of products that benefit and work for the patients and cease catering to the recreational user who received their medical certificate through a 1-800 number or a Groupon for $69.00. People are hurting because the medical processors want to be in the recreational field, and treat the medical process and the patients with disregard.

Comments Document

The Commonwealth of Virginia has a rich and storied history in the cultivation and use of cannabis and hemp. As early as the 1700s, Virginia farmers were growing hemp for textile production, making it a vital component of the state's economy. In 1979, Virginia became the first state in the union to recognize the medical potential of cannabis, a discovery that would change the course of history for patients and healthcare providers alike. As we move forward, it is imperative that we build on this legacy and create a cannabis industry that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. This legislation is a commitment to the people of Virginia to create a cannabis industry that benefits all, and to make Virginia a leader in the national conversation on cannabis legalization and regulation.

I'm glad that we've come this far as a state but do not dwindle it away by giving a monopoly to cresco and col-care. What happened to creating jobs for Virginians? Not these multi-state multi billion dollar companies who only care for quantity at the expense of quality leaving people at risk for consuming pesticide. Cresco already has allegations in other states with poor quality control with no oversight. What happened to both parties caring about the individual? The working class? Instead Virginians have no voice in Virginia only those with deep pockets... Let Virginia be about Virginians.

In 2021, the Commonwealth of Virginia legalized marijuana. Since then the commonwealth has been in grey area wrt marijuana. The delaying the sale for adult use does not stop the use. Allowing legal sales quickly so the product sold is safe and only sold to adults is the priority of the commonwealth. Today Cresco operates a majority of the medical storefronts the the proposed bills will only increase Cresco's gripe on the market. The spirit of legalization was to help people of color run legal adult use establishments, not create a monopoly for Cresco under the direction of Virginia's NORML chapter. Please allow non multi-state to open establishments to receive licenses and open before Cresco and others multi-state companies to open more (they run all the medical dispensaries) establishments.