Va lawmaker urges study of pot sales

RICHMOND, Va. (AP/WAVY) - A Virginia lawmaker wants to study the possibility of selling marijuana through state-run liquor stores.

Democratic Del. David Englin of Alexandria has filed a joint resolution to look at the potential revenue impact for such a proposal.

Under the resolution, eight members of the General Assembly would study the feasibility and practicality of selling pot at the more than 330 ABC stores in Virginia. Findings would be due by the first day of the 2013 legislative session.

Englin also has filed a resolution asking the governor to petition the federal Drug Enforcement Agency to move marijuana from a Schedule I drug to Schedule II.

He cites states with medical marijuana laws and societal changes for the proposals.

The resolutions have been referred to the House Rules Committee.

Locally, many have a lot to say about the proposal.

"As long as people use it responsibly, and treat it like a substance like alcohol, and use it responsibly, it's really not bad," Joshua Zorman, of Norfolk, said.

Fitzgerald Bailey, also of Norfolk, said, "I just don't think it would be a good idea to buy two substances in the same establishment. I just don't think that would be a good idea."

Courtney Brooks, who lives in Hampton, but is from California, told WAVY.com,"You still have to pay taxes on it, so it's not like the state is going to be broke because they're taxing you on it. It's not like you're walking in there, paying the amount that it says because they're still charging state tax on the marijuana. So, if Virginia is in a recession like California, they might as well go ahead and go for it. "

"Marijuana is a gateway drug, so if it's available, more kids are going to start using it and it's going to be more accessible, so I don't think it's a good idea at all," Kacy Nobles, of Norfolk, said.