VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Residents and tourists in Virginia Beach are split over the topic of smoking marijuana in public places. This comes after the city placed signs along the Oceanfront to remind people that smoking the substance is a big no-no at the beach, sparking a different conversation among cannabis advocates.
“I think the sign itself is confusing,” said Tamara Netzel, a resident member of the city’s Cannabis Advisory Task Force, which provides local lawmakers with guidance on managing and regulating cannabis consumption, cultivation, manufacturing and potential retail sales.
The city of Virginia Beach says the signs are very clear. In fact, they say the signs, recently added to the resort area, did not create any new policy or rules, but serves to remind individuals of laws already in place. While it is legal for a person to possess up to two ounces of cannabis for personal use, one can only use it in the privacy of their home — as it’s still illegal to use cannabis products in a public space in the state of Virginia.
Virginia Beach prepares for potential recreational marijuana industry in the commonwealth
Netzel knows these laws through and through.
“Since 2017, I’ve been consuming cannabis to treat my multiple sclerosis,” Netzel said. “It’s a painful disease and cannabis has saved my life.”…