A Legislator's Vision for Virginia's Cannabis Future

barbara83072
Jun 10
2 min read

In the heart of Virginia Beach, Delegate Kelly Convirs-Fowler is challenging the status quo of cannabis regulation with a refreshingly pragmatic approach. "When I see something that's not fair or it's hurting what we've done actually in legislation, I'm all in for fixing it," she declares, embodying a commitment that goes beyond typical political rhetoric.

Her personal connection to the issue is deeply nuanced. "I come from a military family," she explains, "and Virginia Beach is a little different - it's more purple." This unique perspective allows her to see beyond partisan lines, particularly when it comes to cannabis policy.

On Recreational Use and Personal Philosophy

"I am 100% behind recreational use of cannabis, CBD, hemp - whatever we can. It comes from the earth. It's natural. I'm behind that more than alcohol." Her candid stance reflects a growing recognition of cannabis's potential beyond stigmatization.

Legislative Challenges and Systemic Issues

Convirs-Fowler is brutally honest about the current legislative process: "We're set up in Virginia to do this in 45 days, where we have to pass huge laws right after an election." This compressed timeframe, she argues, leads to unintended consequences that can devastate industries like hemp.

Economic and Community Perspective

"We're losing a lot of taxes because we're creating a black market that doesn't need to be there," she argues. Her vision extends beyond regulation - it's about creating a sustainable, community-benefiting industry. "Let's keep the tax low, but let's put it back into the communities."

Regulatory Vision

Her approach is collaborative and educational. "The biggest thing is everyone needs to know what everyone thinks," she states, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive stakeholder engagement.

Delegate Fowler stressed the importance of imagining a legislative approach where small business owners, scientists, and policymakers don't just talk at each other, but truly listen. Where a hemp farmer's experience matters as much as a bureaucrat's spreadsheet.

Here's a few strategies she told the group to consider moving forward:

Regular community roundtables
Digital feedback platforms
On-site business visits
Technical training workshops
Academic partnerships

The magic happens when we break down barriers. When a legislator like Fowler says, "I want to understand everything," and actually means it. This isn't just about cannabis. It's about re-imagining how policy gets made.

Call to Action

For Convirs-Fowler, this isn't just policy - it's about creating fair opportunities. "If we can't figure it out. The shops definitely can't figure it out," she says, highlighting the urgent need for clear, accessible regulations.

Conclusion

As Virginia stands at the crossroads of cannabis policy, Delegate Convirs-Fowler represents a new breed of legislator - pragmatic, open-minded, and genuinely committed to understanding complex industries.

"I plan on visiting many of you," she promises, "to understand how the industry works." And in those words lies hope for a more rational, equitable approach to cannabis regulation.