Rotarian Bill Clendenin visits with guest Cindy Cutler and NORML staff members Jenn Michelle Pedini and Daniel Rouleau
The Program
Bill Clendenin, our Rotarian of the Day, introduced our speaker. Jenn Michelle Pedini is executive director of the Richmond chapter of NORML (National Organization for the Repeal of Marijuana Laws). This organization is driving the policy debate on what it calls "the road to common sense" in Virginia. NORML has over 150 affiliates around the globe and seven local chapters.
Jenn Michelle explained that NORML's major initiatives include the Medical Group for Cannabis in the Commonwealth working to sponsor medical policy laws. The Criminal Justice Group is making progress with two bills to eliminate the automatic driver’s license suspension for possession of marijuana – automatic suspension would be changed to allow the judge discretion in a proper response. A decriminalization study, sponsored by majority leader Senator Tommy Norment, will support possible future legislation. NORML is pushing “fines, not crimes” for marijuana offenses and moving these offenses from felony to civil classification. She gave examples of how NORML is active in these areas:
Healthcare
- Working to modify the controlled substances act to allow pharmaceutical companies to develop and sell drugs containing cannabis ingredients
- This would allow pharmaceutical processors to make certain medical marijuana medicines in Virginia
2018 General Assembly
- 78% of Virginians support decriminalization of marijuana
- $70 million is spent annually on enforcing prohibition of marijuana laws
in Virginia - There are 22,000 annual arrests for possession of marijuana
- There is a 3:1 racial disparity in marijuana arrests in Virginia (three times more blacks are arrested for marijuana offenses than whites.)
- 92% of Virginians support medical cannabis, and NORML is pushing legislation to allow medical prescriptions for marijuana and “let doctors decide.”
- In states with medical marijuana laws there are:
- 25% fewer opiate deaths
- A 64% decrease in opiate use
- $165 million Medicare part D savings
- $1 billion Medicaid savings
- NORML claims their work is all about adjusting bad policy
Obstacles
- The substance abuse industry is opposing any changes in the law (it would reduce their business.)
- Law enforcement
- Senate Courts of Justice committee and the House Criminal Law committee
Take Action
- Our speaker urged us to take action by going to the NORML website, clicking through to the “take action” page to sending an e-mail letter to state “I support this measure.” http://www.vanorml.org/
The Meeting
Visitation Report: Joe New reported that Bill Jonak is in good spirits after dealing with health issues and is expected to be back to meetings soon.
Happy Bucks and Fines:
- John Lynn contributed happy bucks for his daughter-in-law who was on the Today show on Tuesday, August 15 talking about her work to promote meditation and its benefits.
Activities and Events:
- Bryce Burton reminded us that Growl Fest 2017 will be September 16 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Volunteers are needed for this important fundraising event (this is the Club’s second biggest fundraiser). Forty (yes 40!) volunteers are needed – please sign up now. Also urge your friends to buy tickets to this family event at Virginia Zoo for all ages: http://virginiazoo.org/events/growlfest2017/
- The Rotary District conference is September 22-24 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. Presenters to note are: Sally Hartman on how to speak effectively on your Rotary experience and John Reinhart, CEO of the Virginia Port Authority. President Gary urged us all to sign up for this important event.
- Last weekend’s “Bands on the Bay” event was a great success.
- Chip Vogan, board contact for membership, announced that ideas are coming to boost our membership. A great way to expand your Rotary experience is to make up a meeting in another country, state or city. Be ready to share your story about visiting other Rotary clubs!
Visitors
- Sally Hartman hosted Cindy Cutler, arts and criminal justice advocate
- Ann Sullivan hosted Hunter Walsh, manager of member services at the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
- Bill Clendenin introduced Kathy Scherberger who is an executive coach.
The raffle winner was Lisa Chandler. She collected $23, but didn’t draw the Queen of Spades, so the big pot continues to grow!