420 Policies and Laws

[sgreger1]

Washington State House Bill 1550 [Regulating the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis] was filed today.

Bill proposes to sell pot through state liquor stores

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...uorstores.html

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summ...1550&year=2011

That is a bad idea. I would never want to go to a liqor store for bud, it requires it's own shop. One must go and inspect the selection, inquire about it's orrigins, etc. Purchasing MJ from a 7-11 would be a lame experience. I dunno, I suppose it is one step closer though.

[Crow]

You wouldn't get your recreational cannabis from a 7-11 if this bill passes. It will only be available in state run liquor stores. You would also be able to cultivate cannabis in your home (it is seen in the same light as brewing beer or wine). Not sure what the restrictions are when it comes to plant limit, I haven't read the entire bill yet. I'm sure it will be reasonable for non-medical consumers.

I have medical cannabis because I need it, so there will always be safe access to top quality medicine. This won't affect dispensaries, and it won't affect delivery and other services.

But, I can see what you're saying about origins, strains, and selection... I'm sure there will be top-notch cannabis strains available to the average consumer. Cannabis producers will be licenced and inspected by the state's Dept. of Agriculture to ensure quality, and you'll be able to inspect them at the state-run liquor store. Producers want to make a profit, and they know the way to do that, is to produce top-notch.

You could also select a strain and grow your own. Have you seen thclist? Check out http://thclist.com and you'll find people with all sorts of strains to share.

Bottom line... There will always be the community you and I enjoy today (whether you need it to medicate, or you just want to relax and have a good time). This is a step in the right direction.

[Crow]

I have seen a few precedent cases in Oregon where a lawful user of medical marijuana had his concealed weapons permit revoked. I would much rather have someone under the influence of marijuana carry a licensed concealed weapon than a drunk. Has anyone heard of such incidents in Washington State?

There is no state registry for medical cannabis consumers in Washington. Your doctor will give you an authorisation on tamper-proof paper. This is all you need. You have privacy when it comes to your medical treatment (as it should be).

[sgreger1]

You wouldn't get your recreational cannabis from a 7-11 if this bill passes. It will only be available in state run liquor stores. You would also be able to cultivate cannabis in your home (it is seen in the same light as brewing beer or wine). Not sure what the restrictions are when it comes to plant limit, I haven't read the entire bill yet. I'm sure it will be reasonable for non-medical consumers.

I have medical cannabis because I need it, so there will always be safe access to top quality medicine. This won't affect dispensaries, and it won't affect delivery and other services.

But, I can see what you're saying about origins, strains, and selection... I'm sure there will be top-notch cannabis strains available to the average consumer. Cannabis producers will be licenced and inspected by the state's Dept. of Agriculture to ensure quality, and you'll be able to inspect them at the state-run liquor store. Producers want to make a profit, and they know the way to do that, is to produce top-notch.

You could also select a strain and grow your own. Have you seen thclist? Check out http://thclist.com and you'll find people with all sorts of strains to share.

Bottom line... There will always be the community you and I enjoy today (whether you need it to medicate, or you just want to relax and have a good time). This is a step in the right direction.

Yah I guess your right. I guess I just feel like (at least here in CA), the MMJ thing is like an underground culture, with it's own culture, and storefronts all over the city that no one would ever know about. A single blacked out door amongst a busy downtown street etc. If I saw it in liquor stores I would be like "aww man..." But I guess your right, it's just the way the wind blows. And the underground culture will always be there. Just kind of takes the fun out of it once it goes corporate.


I live in an apartment so I can't grow, otherwise I tottally would. Once I buy my house this year I will probably start, mainly just because it is a fun hobby.


Also, you guys have state run liquor stores? That's like NC, they have that too. And you can only buy hard liquor from the government, it's illegal to sell it anywhere else. They have a monopoly on alcohol stores and they only sell hard liquor until 8.

[Crow]

Also, you guys have state run liquor stores? That's like NC, they have that too. And you can only buy hard liquor from the government, it's illegal to sell it anywhere else. They have a monopoly on alcohol stores and they only sell hard liquor until 8.

Yeah, you can only buy the hard stuff from a state-owned or state-contracted liquor store. Beer and wine can be purchased anywhere (grocery stores, convenience stores, dept. stores, etc.). No sales of alcohol allowed between 2 AM - 6 AM.

[Crow]

"Sensible Washington Files 2011 Marijuana Legalization Initiative"

Sensible Washington, a grassroots group comprised of thousands of Washington citizens, today filed an initiative to the people which would legalize marijuana for adults aged 18 years or older. The initiative also directs the State Legislature to adopt civil regulations on the adult use of marijuana. The filing took place at the Secretary of State’s office in Olympia.

“We’re pleased to again put the important question of marijuana legalization before the public,” said Douglas Hiatt, Sensible Washington’s chair and initiative co-author. Sensible Washington’s I-1068 failed to gather enough signatures to qualify for last year’s ballot, largely due to a lack of funding. “We’re better funded and better organized this year and we look forward to giving the public an opportunity to vote on this issue in November.”

“We’ve changed last year’s initiative to reflect concerns about civil regulations of marijuana and our new initiative has language that clearly directs the State Legislature to regulate the responsible adult use of marijuana.”

Estimates vary, but the State currently spends over $100 million a year prosecuting otherwise responsible adults for marijuana possession.

“That kind of waste must stop, said Jeffrey Steinborn, an initiative co-author and a Seattle-based attorney who has long defended marijuana cases.

Sensible Washington expects to begin circulation of the initiative in February. State law requires 241,153 valid signatures of registered voters in order to qualify for the November 2011 ballot.

https://sensiblewashington.org

There are two bills filed recently (one in the House, one in the Senate) to regulate cannabis, and sell it in state liquor stores for the general public (21 and over). You will also be able to grow a personal amount.

Medical cannabis users will continue to have access to dispensaries, delivery, and other fine services.

House HB 1550 - 2011-12

A member of the Senate said she's coming up with a companion bill, and it should be proposed any day now.

There are also two bills filed (House/Senate) that enhances protections for medical cannabis patients, and allows producers, dispensaries, and patient collective gardens.

House HB 1100 - 2011-12
Senate SB 5073 - 2011-12

[sgreger1]

Congrats Washington! Welcome to the club! (if it passes, lol)

[Crow]

Welcome to the club! (if it passes, lol)

Club? What club? We would be the first to tax and regulate cannabis... If it passes.

You guys came close though, last year... 46.2% voted yes.

Its supposed to be back on the ballot for Californians in 2012. That's when the youth vote comes into play.

2011 - Washington
2012 - California

A solid majority, 56 percent, of Washingtonians believe legalizing marijuana is a "good idea," according to a new poll.

Almost two-thirds of men, 64 percent, favored legalization, while only 48 percent of women thought it was a good idea.

Support was broad and deep across all age groups from 18 to 64. Only among those 65 or older did support drop to 32 percent, with 64 percent of the 65+ respondents describing legalization as a bad idea.

"Sensible Washington is pleased by these kinds of numbers which indicate a strong willingness among Washingtonians to reform marijuana laws in this state," the group behind a new marijuana legalization voter initiative said in a press release.

Its not a matter of 'if' anymore, its a matter of 'when'...

That's why the west coast is the best coast.

[BadAxe]

That is a bad idea. I would never want to go to a liqor store for bud, it requires it's own shop. One must go and inspect the selection, inquire about it's orrigins, etc. Purchasing MJ from a 7-11 would be a lame experience. I dunno, I suppose it is one step closer though.

If weed became legal, why would you still want to buy it instead of grow it? Growing it will save you tons, and let me tell you, when you smoke what you have grown, and its better than anything you have ever purchased (including GOOOOD weed), its such a good feeling.

Lol, read your reply on page 3, and now i know why you wouldn't grow. But if it was legal to do so, why not grow in your apartment. They make small grow tents that would do great in an apartment.

[sgreger1]

If weed became legal, why would you still want to buy it instead of grow it? Growing it will save you tons, and let me tell you, when you smoke what you have grown, and its better than anything you have ever purchased (including GOOOOD weed), its such a good feeling.

Lol, read your reply on page 3, and now i know why you wouldn't grow. But if it was legal to do so, why not grow in your apartment. They make small grow tents that would do great in an apartment.

With my current recommendation I can grow up to 99 plants if I want to, and no one could say a damn thing about it. I don't however because I live in an apartment, and the landlord still has rule over that domain. It is also illegal for me to have a pistol, because again I live in an apartment. Normally I would disregard such rules without second thought, but with a 2 year old in the house, a grow operation would not look good on paper with either the government or my wife.

I wish I could though. We are planning to buy a house later in the year, and if that is successfull than I am definately starting a garden. Another benefit is that you can sell the excess to your local collective for a profit. I've grown before, and it's an amazingly pleasing (and relaxing!) hobby, but this particular plant requires lots of tender love and care and I don't have the time or space to do it, otherwise I absolutely woulld.



Till then, I can buy a quarter ounce of top-notch OG Kush shake (dime sized nugs) for $40. So not really stressing it.

[BadAxe]

With my current recommendation I can grow up to 99 plants if I want to, and no one could say a damn thing about it. I don't however because I live in an apartment, and the landlord still has rule over that domain. It is also illegal for me to have a pistol, because again I live in an apartment. Normally I would disregard such rules without second thought, but with a 2 year old in the house, a grow operation would not look good on paper with either the government or my wife.

I wish I could though. We are planning to buy a house later in the year, and if that is successfull than I am definately starting a garden. Another benefit is that you can sell the excess to your local collective for a profit. I've grown before, and it's an amazingly pleasing (and relaxing!) hobby, but this particular plant requires lots of tender love and care and I don't have the time or space to do it, otherwise I absolutely woulld.



Till then, I can buy a quarter ounce of top-notch OG Kush shake (dime sized nugs) for $40. So not really stressing it.

Duh, I never even looked over and saw ur were from Cali. DOH. ANd I understand about the child. I did it when my son was just born, and realized I could not continue, so the stuff got packed away. He is now 21, so I am free to do as I please. I am very jealous of your prices and would probably still be buying if I had those. But you are right, its a very relaxing hobby. ANd when done right, they don't actually require that much time and effort. Except for training (SCROG) to get the screen full, I find growing hydroponically, once dialed in, is like cruise control. SOmetimes I wish I had MORE to do other than sit there looking at them. lol. But I want to live in Cali SO bad.

[Crow]

Seattle City Attorney Peter Holmes: “Legalize Marijuana”

Peter Holmes is the City Attorney for Seattle, Washington. In this op-ed for the Seattle Times, Holmes makes good on his campaign promises to not prosecute user-level marijuana crimes and joins the growing chorus of current (Rep. Jared Polis) and former elected officials (Gov. Gary Johnson) calling for an end to adult marijuana prohibition.

Marijuana is far more like alcohol than it is like hard drugs, and we should treat it as such. We address alcohol abuse primarily as a public-health issue, and we should do the same with marijuana abuse. Inebriation only becomes a crime for those who choose to get behind the wheel, whether the intoxicant is alcohol, prescription pain killers or cannabis.

I support tightening laws against driving while stoned, preventing the sale of marijuana to minors, and ensuring that anything other than small-scale noncommercial marijuana production takes place in regulated agricultural facilities — and not residential basements.

Ending marijuana prohibition and focusing on rational regulation and taxation is a pro-public safety, pro-public health, pro-limited government policy. I urge the state Legislature to move down this road.

Even if marijuana remains illegal under federal law, it is still time for Washington state to act. As with alcohol prohibition, collective action by the states will help us end the federal marijuana prohibition and transition to a rational and functional system for regulating and taxing marijuana.

Pete Holmes is serving his first term as Seattle city attorney.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...ml?prmid=op_ed

[fishmeat]

Now if we can just get Obama to not laugh it off...not now, not in the next two years. Vote'em out and vote'em in, thats gonna be the only way its gonna happen.

[sgreger1]

Now if we can just get Obama to not laugh it off...not now, not in the next two years. Vote'em out and vote'em in, thats gonna be the only way its gonna happen.

Yah, he made kt very clear that he and eric holder will be ruthlessly prosecuting marijuana users and distributers if any state legalizes marijuana. During prop 19 he said that if we legalized it he would start cracking down, people got discouraged and didnt go out and vote. Vote this imposter out, and vote a real liberal in if thats what you want america, Obama clearly isn't the progressive everyone thought he was.

[fishmeat]

Obama clearly isn't the progressive everyone thought he was.

It worked for him in the election...and the fact that I'm sure nobody wanted McCain. Now I sit back and wait for the party van to pull up and snatch me away.