Washington State and Virginia might one day see marijuana on school grounds
If a couple of lawmakers get their way, students in two states in the U.S. might soon be able to carry marijuana on school campuses. In two separate attempts, lawmakers in Washington State and Virginia are pushing legislation that would allow medical marijuana on school property, school buses and school-sponsored events.
For Washington State, students would be allowed to consume marijuana on school grounds as long as they have a medical marijuana license. However, smoking marijuana would still be banned. The bill was introduced by Representative Brian Blake and expects school districts to “adopt a policy to authorize parents or guardians to administer marijuana to a student for medical purposes while the student is on school grounds, aboard a school bus, or attending a school-sponsored event.”
The policy would be obligatory if a parent or legal guardian of a student with a medical marijuana license requests it. The bill also includes provisions that are meant to protect the schools from federal blowback.
In Virginia, students would be able to use cannabidiol or THC-A, but no others. The two are considered non-intoxicating and are legal for medical use in the state. The bill was introduced by Delegate Chris Hurst and amends current laws to protect students from being expelled or suspended for possessing the two compounds on school grounds, as long as they have a medical marijuana license.
The bills are similar to those seen in states such as Colorado and Illinois. They show a trend to continue marijuana reform in the country, which will more than likely extend through next year, and possibly the next five to ten years.
