Pubdate: Fri, 03 Feb 2012
Source: Cavalier Daily (U of VA Edu)
Copyright: 2012 The Cavalier Daily, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.cavalierdaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/550
Author: Charlie Tyson

MARIJUANA BILL FAILS IN HOUSE

A bill proposed by Del. David Englin, D-Alexandria, requesting Gov.
Bob McDonnell to petition the federal Drug Enforcement Agency to allow
the use of marijuana for legitimate medical reasons failed in the
House Rules Committee Tuesday evening.

"Legalizing marijuana is probably not supported by 99 percent of the
people here," said Del. Dave Albo, R-Springfield, who did not vote on
the resolution. "Del. Englin is a self-described ultra-liberal, and
that's the kind of stuff he believes in."

Englin's proposal cited studies showing "cannabis offers numerous
health benefits for those suffering from multiple sclerosis, glaucoma,
asthma, human immunodeficiency virus and other health disorders."

Englin has a second marijuana bill awaiting review in the House Rules
Committee, which calls for a study of the potential sale of marijuana
at more than 330 Alcoholic Beverage Control stores in Virginia as a
means of generating revenue.

Legislators such as Albo, however, seem unlikely to support Englin's
proposal.

"Selling [marijuana] at ABC stores is just a wacky idea," Albo
said.

Albo said he would support a bill allowing someone to expunge his
record years after a first offense of marijuana possession.

"There are some things you can do to keep people from having a
permanent criminal record for smoking a joint," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.