City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority denies use of marijuana in public housing

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — The effects of relaxed marijuana laws will not be trickling down to even federally funded ventures in the Commonwealth.

Marijuana usage will not be allowed in public housing that is managed by the City of Roanoke’s Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

The unanimous decision by the Board of Commissioners involved all eight members who voted to ban the use, consumption, or possession of marijuana. Medical marijuana is also not permitted.

There will be a lease addendum to sign for those wanting to reside on the respective property. If they choose not to sign, the resident will not be permitted to live on that property. The policy will not go into effect until 30 days from this vote.

Individual violations will be treated on an individual basis.

Although some council members expressed concern, citing the potential difficulty in regulating the use of marijuana on their many properties, the vote passed. 

One memo that has gone out warns residents of a ban on marijuana was on the agenda for the meeting on Monday, July 26.

Residents will receive a more detailed written notice of the new change in policy.