The opportunity to establish a fair and equitable market for adult cannabis use has many benefits for our community and Commonwealth. Regulations must balance the interests of those seeking to engage in this burgeoning industry, the opportunity for economic development and tax revenue, with the clear guidelines and policies to prevent misuse and abuse. It is also important that the opportunities for business owners, either sellers or growers, are made available and accessible to those from a wide diversity of our community. 

The attitudes and scientific understanding of the use of marijuana has changed dramatically in the past decades. As we work to update our laws and regulations, to reflect those changes, we must ensure that those who were punished by outdated attitudes, whose lives were often times impeded forever, are made whole, when and how that is possible. A record for non-violent possession should no longer be allowed to defines someone’s life. 

Medical cannabis can provide critical relief to patients suffering from a number of different conditions. Access to this healthcare tool should be made more accessible to those who wish to avail themselves of the option, in conjunction with medical professionals' advice. By reducing barriers to access including cost, strict prohibitions on where it may be available, and to whom, and severely limited treatment options, Virginia can help ease the burdens on patients, as well as our healthcare system and mitigate economic loss due to missed productivity.