H.R.1227 - Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2017 (2017-2018)

"Legalizing marijuana might be a way to help lift rural areas of Virginia out of poverty, a Republican who represents part of the state in Congress says.

‘The lands out in Southwest are conducive to be able to grow that for medicinal purposes, or whatever it is, for other research purposes, and even recreational use for some areas, if Virginia chooses to legalize it in that way, 'Congressman Scott Taylor said on Wednesday. ‘And if Virginia goes that way I think there is the possibility to create jobs down in the Southwest.'

‘I think we should decriminalize it and leave it up to the states,' he said. ‘I do believe it’s a state decision, not a federal decision."