Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Norfolk, Va. — The debate over marijuana is gaining strength in Hampton Roads. A Norfolk Councilman is suggesting the city decriminalize possession of small amounts of the drug.
Councilman Paul Riddick wants to include the decriminalization of marijuana in the legislative package that City Council will send to the General Assembly.
Riddick says the idea will not move forward unless the majority of council agrees with him, and he has the support of local law enforcement. He is hoping to start the discussion.
"I would like to hear from police officers, I'd like to hear from judges. I'd like to hear from clinicians, you know, and I'd like to hear from the experts to find out what their thoughts on this would be," says Riddick.
Riddick brought up the decriminalization of the drug at Tuesday night's City Council meeting. He says most reactions have been positive and he's looking forward to discussing this idea with members of local law enforcement.
"Those persons who know what the impact is of a person getting caught with a small amount of marijuana. We listen to them. Then it'll be up to our council to decide if we want it to be part of our legislative package," says Riddick.
Norfolk Sheriff Bob McCabe says he's surprised this topic came up at the City Council meeting.
"As long as it is against the law, then I think we need to act accordingly," says Sheriff McCabe. However, he says it's time for this discussion.
"There are pros and cons to it. You'll see some studies that show that it doesn't lead to stronger uses of crack cocaine or heroin and then you see some studies that says it does," says Sheriff McCabe.
Riddick says he wants decriminalization - but not legalization - so drug offenders with a small amount of marijuana would face a civil charge with a fine, not a felony. The amount of the drug considered "small" is something they would work together to determine.
Riddick is hoping law enforcement and state officials will be able to have this discussion at the Virginia Municipal League meeting in October. Sheriff McCabe says he is looking forward to the conversation.
The legislation still has to be approved by the General Assembly in Richmond before any changes will take place.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Norfolk Councilman Pushes For Decriminalizing Marijuana
Author: Staff
Contact: 757-393-1010
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Website: WAVY
Councilman Paul Riddick wants to include the decriminalization of marijuana in the legislative package that City Council will send to the General Assembly.
Riddick says the idea will not move forward unless the majority of council agrees with him, and he has the support of local law enforcement. He is hoping to start the discussion.
"I would like to hear from police officers, I'd like to hear from judges. I'd like to hear from clinicians, you know, and I'd like to hear from the experts to find out what their thoughts on this would be," says Riddick.
Riddick brought up the decriminalization of the drug at Tuesday night's City Council meeting. He says most reactions have been positive and he's looking forward to discussing this idea with members of local law enforcement.
"Those persons who know what the impact is of a person getting caught with a small amount of marijuana. We listen to them. Then it'll be up to our council to decide if we want it to be part of our legislative package," says Riddick.
Norfolk Sheriff Bob McCabe says he's surprised this topic came up at the City Council meeting.
"As long as it is against the law, then I think we need to act accordingly," says Sheriff McCabe. However, he says it's time for this discussion.
"There are pros and cons to it. You'll see some studies that show that it doesn't lead to stronger uses of crack cocaine or heroin and then you see some studies that says it does," says Sheriff McCabe.
Riddick says he wants decriminalization - but not legalization - so drug offenders with a small amount of marijuana would face a civil charge with a fine, not a felony. The amount of the drug considered "small" is something they would work together to determine.
Riddick is hoping law enforcement and state officials will be able to have this discussion at the Virginia Municipal League meeting in October. Sheriff McCabe says he is looking forward to the conversation.
The legislation still has to be approved by the General Assembly in Richmond before any changes will take place.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Norfolk Councilman Pushes For Decriminalizing Marijuana
Author: Staff
Contact: 757-393-1010
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Website: WAVY
