2012 Washington Initiative 502

Last updated

Initiative 502
Flag of Washington.svg
On Marijuana Reform
Results
Choice
Votes %
Check-71-128-204-brightblue.svgYes1,724,20955.70%
Light brown x.svgNo1,371,23544.30%
Total votes3,095,444100.00%
Registered voters/turnout3,904,94879.27%
Wa502B.svg
2012 Washington Initiative 502 by CD.svg
WA Initiative 502 2012.svg
Source:
    Initiative 502 results by county, with number of votes shown by size, yes in orange and no in blue. Initiative Measure No. 502 Concerns marijuana.png
    Initiative 502 results by county, with number of votes shown by size, yes in orange and no in blue.

    Washington Initiative 502 (I-502) "on marijuana reform" was an initiative to the Washington State Legislature, which appeared on the November 2012 general ballot, passing by a margin of approximately 56 to 44 percent. Originally submitted to the Washington Secretary of State during the summer of 2011, [1] enough signatures were collected and submitted by December to meet the required 241,153 signatures, sending it to the legislature. [2] When the legislature adjourned without action in April, Initiative 502 automatically advanced to the November 2012 general ballot. [3] It was approved by popular vote on November 6, and took effect over the course of a year, beginning with certification no later than December 6, 2012. [4] Along with a similar Colorado measure, Initiative 502 was credited for encouraging voter turnout of 81%, the highest in the nation. [5]

    Contents

    Initiative 502 defined and legalized small amounts of marijuana-related products for adults 21 and over, taxes them and designates the revenue for healthcare and substance-abuse prevention and education. As noted at RCW 69.50.101, cannabis is still classified as a schedule I controlled substance under federal law and subject to federal prosecution under the doctrine of dual sovereignty. Possession by anyone younger than 21, possession of larger amounts, and the growing of unlicensed or unregulated marijuana remains illegal under state law.[ citation needed ]

    Ballot measure summary

    As it is described by the Secretary of State's office, the measure shall "license and regulate marijuana production, distribution, and possession for persons over twenty-one; remove state-law criminal and civil penalties for activities that it authorizes; tax marijuana sales; and earmark marijuana-related revenues."

    This measure removes state-law prohibitions against producing, processing, and selling marijuana, subject to licensing and regulation by the liquor control board; allow limited possession of marijuana by persons aged twenty-one and over; and impose 25% excise taxes on wholesale and retail sales of marijuana, earmarking revenue for purposes that include substance-abuse prevention, research, education, and healthcare. Laws prohibiting driving under the influence would be amended to include maximum thresholds for THC blood concentration. [6]

    Provisions

    After approval, Initiative 502 implements over a period of a year or more. Legal possession and DUI limits went into effect on December 9, 2012, and the state had until December 1, 2013, to establish other key rules. [7] Until rules were established and licenses issued, retail sales to the general public were not allowed. Such businesses must be located 1,000 feet or further from public schools, and public use of marijuana became a civil infraction. [8]

    The initiative legalized use of marijuana products for adults 21 and over and focus law enforcement resources on DUI prosecution as well as violent and property crimes. Personal "grows" in one's own home, except for medical cannabis as regulated under RCW 69.51A, will remain a Class C felony.

    Part I identifies the goal of the initiative and authorizes the Washington State Liquor Control Board (now named the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board) "to regulate and tax marijuana for persons twenty-one years of age and older, and add a new threshold for driving under the influence of marijuana."

    Part II establishes various definitions, including one which distinguishes "marijuana" from hemp and other parts of the cannabis plant based on its THC content.

    Part III establishes a license system for marijuana producers, processors, and retailers. Initial licenses shall be $250 with an annual renewal fee of $1000. Rules prohibit producers and processors from having any financial interest in retailers, much like the three-tier system for hard liquor in control states. This section also makes it clear that selling or distributing unlicensed marijuana remains illegal, setting limits on the maximum amount one may possess. Adults 21 years or older may possess up to "one ounce of useable marijuana", 16 ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form, 72 ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form or "any combination" of all three. The part also authorizes Liquor Enforcement Officers of the Washington State Liquor Control Board to enforce RCW 69.50, the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Previous to this Liquor Enforcement Officers could only enforce alcohol and tobacco laws.

    Washington Initiative 502 Section 28 earmarks revenue generated by the law at specific cost amounts for administration of the program. While any and all remaining funds generated over initial costs is to be divided over general public health, drug-abuse treatment, drug-abuse prevention, marijuana research and local research facilities, specifically University of Washington & Washington State University. I-502 Revenue Dispersion.png
    Washington Initiative 502 Section 28 earmarks revenue generated by the law at specific cost amounts for administration of the program. While any and all remaining funds generated over initial costs is to be divided over general public health, drug-abuse treatment, drug-abuse prevention, marijuana research and local research facilities, specifically University of Washington & Washington State University.

    Part IV establishes a "dedicated marijuana fund" for all revenue received by the liquor control board, and explicitly earmarks any surplus from this new revenue for health care (55%), drug abuse treatment and education (25%), with 1% for marijuana-related research at University of Washington and Washington State University, most of the remainder going to the state general fund. A March 2012 analysis by the state Office of Financial Management estimated annual revenues above $560 million for the first full year, rising thereafter. [9] February 2011 analysis of the similar Washington House Bill 1550 estimated annual state and county law-enforcement savings of approximately $22 million. [10] [11] OFM's final, official analysis did not include law-enforcement savings, but estimated five-year revenues at approximately $1.9 billion from an assumed retail price of $12 per gram. [12] [13] [14] Proponents of I-502 have posted a pie chart showing annual dollar-per-purpose earmarks, based on these projections. [15]

    Part V on "driving under the influence of marijuana" sets a per se DUI limit of "delta-9" THC levels at greater than or equal to 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood (5 ng/mL). Some medical cannabis advocates are concerned that this will lead to DUI convictions for medicinal cannabis users, who are driving with blood THC levels greater than or equal to 5 nanograms per milliliter. [16] "The metabolite THC-COOH, also known as carboxy-THC" is explicitly excluded from consideration.

    Sponsors

    Registered sponsors for the measure included John McKay, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington; Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes; Kim Marie Thorburn, M.D. and M.P.H., former director of the Spokane Regional Health District; and travel writer Rick Steves. [1]

    Other sponsors included state representative for the 36th district Mary Lou Dickerson; immediate past president of the Washington State Bar Association Salvador A. Mungia; past president of the Washington State Bar Association Mark Johnson; Robert W. Wood, M.D., former director of the HIV/AIDS Program at the Seattle-King County public health department; University of Washington School of Social Work professor emeritus Roger Roffman, D.S.W., and Alison Holcomb, campaign director for New Approach Washington, "on loan from" the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington. [17] [18]

    Support and opposition

    As per RCW 42.17A on "campaign disclosure and contribution", the Washington state Public Disclosure Commission posts campaign information online, including information for referendums and initiatives. [19] Statements for and against each ballot measure are also available online as part of the official online voter's guide. [20] Many groups which might traditionally be expected to take a stance on the issue have been silent, including business, education, law-enforcement, and drug treatment organizations. [21]

    Support

    Early supporters of the measure included Dominic Holden of The Stranger. [11] In September, the Washington State Democratic Central Committee endorsed I-502 by a vote of 75 in favor and 43 opposed. [22] Eastern Washington's The Spokesman-Review endorsed I-502 from December 2011 as part of a broader call for legalization and federal reclassification of cannabis under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. [23] Other supporters include a variety of current legislators, organizations, former judges, law enforcement personnel, prosecutors and elected officials such as Jolene Unsoeld. [24] [25] The mayor and entire city council of Seattle support I-502, [26] as does the King County sheriff. [27] Former narcotics deputy and candidate for King County sheriff John Urquhart, saying "the war on drugs has been an abject failure". [28] Noting the disproportionate impact of marijuana arrests and incarceration on families and racial minorities, the Children's Alliance, [29] NAACP and various African-American pastors have also endorsed I-502. [30] [31] [32]

    Early national support for the measure comes from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) [33] and television evangelist Pat Robertson. [34] Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) has also endorsed the measure, including prominent LEAP spokesman and former Seattle police chief Norm Stamper [35] and other law enforcement officials. [36] The initiative has also been endorsed by former governor of New Mexico, Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson, [37] and cannabis-reform advocate Marc Emery. [38] [39]

    The primary group supporting I-502 is New Approach Washington, which maintains an updated list of official endorsements on its website. [40] In July 2012, major donations of financial support were given by the Drug Policy Alliance, Peter Lewis of Progressive Insurance and the American Civil Liberties Union. [41] Although the Drug Policy Alliance opposed the measure's ban on home grow and drug testing requirement, the non-profit nonetheless financially backed the effort. Ethan Nadelmann, founder and Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance at the time, said in a 2015 speech:

    "It was a chance to pop a hole in prohibition nationally. And the situation presented itself: if I put up about a third of the money or so for Washington state, not withstanding my reservations, that would leverage Peter Lewis and the in-state donors and enable a campaign of five or six million dollars to win that thing. And what I said is 'Yes.' I'm going to put that money in there because...we could pop a hole in prohibition because that was going to resonate across the country, lay the ground work for California and other states and have an even international impact." [42]

    Newspapers endorsing I-502 in the weeks immediately prior to the election include The Seattle Times , [43] The Spokesman-Review , [44] The Columbian , [45] The Olympian , [46] and The Wenatchee World . [47]

    Opposition

    Public and formal opposition was not well organized and mostly came from advocates of medical cannabis, who objected to "Part V: Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana". [48] [49] A key spokesperson was Steve Sarich, whom an Esquire blog has called one of the "great marijuana prohibitionists of 2012." [50] A Facebook group, Patients Against New Approach Washington (PANAW) began vocal opposition. [51] A letter was sent to I-502 sponsors by Richard Bayer, MD; lawyers David Arganian and Jeffrey Steinborn; Gil Mobley, MD; Vivian McPeak, Executive Director of Seattle Hempfest; and Ric Smith, who has been a prominent patient advocate since 1996, arguing that I-502's DUIC language was unnecessary, unscientific, and unfair. [52] Dominic Holden, of The Stranger, disagreed with this criticism, citing the same 2009 study from the National Institutes of Health opponents to 502 had referenced. [53] The board of directors for NORML acknowledged this criticism [54] but opined that the law is a step in the right direction, even with the provision. At least one NORML blogger labelled them "patients against pragmatism". [55] Some suppliers of medical marijuana are also worried that if the initiative becomes law their thriving businesses could be disrupted. [56] [57] [58] [59] [60]

    Other opponents included the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. [61] and the Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention. [62] Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza said Asian and motorcycle gangs currently control "marijuana distribution and sales" and that the initiative would likely lead to more traffic fatalities and organized crime. [63] Then-governor Christine Gregoire opposed I-502, citing concerns about federal opposition. [64] [65]

    Both major candidates for governor in the 2012 election also went on record in opposition, with Jay Inslee following Rob McKenna, both citing concerns for users of medical cannabis. [66]

    Safe Access Washington, "a trade organization on behalf of medical cannabis", briefly formed and opposed I-502 before disbanding. [67] [68] The group Sensible Washington, sponsor of an earlier, abortive attempt at legalization in Washington, has also criticized I-502 in a seven-part series on their web page. [69] On July 31, 2012, Sensible Washington announced its intent to "actually repeal prohibition" with a new Initiative drive in 2013, regardless of I-502's election outcome, noting in its press release that cannabis will remain a Schedule I drug under I-502, "which we're not comfortable with and will work towards correcting." [70] Opposition from Sensible Washington and others was strong enough that Seattle Hempfest chose neither to support nor endorse the measure, [71] a decision which one proponent called "dead wrong" and "ridiculous", [72] and which prompted an official Seattle Times injunction to "get real". [73]

    No on I-502 was the primary group opposing Initiative 502. Their website denounced what they described as I-502's "new approach to prohibition", and describes how the DUID provisions of I-502 may actually increase the potential penalty for marijuana use, and lead to a new era in the war on drugs under color of DUID prosecutions, as part of what they describe as a nationwide strategy to move war on drugs from the current focus on sales and possession to a new and more ominous offensive on drivers via new per se DUID laws like I-502.

    The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin was the first newspaper to oppose I-502. [74] It was joined by the Tri-City Herald . [75]

    Results

    Final election returns showed I-502 passing with 55.7% of 3,095,444 votes. [76] Immediately following this, The Oregonian called for the Oregon legislature to follow suit with a similar bill, [77] and the incoming Mexican administration announced that it would reconsider its previous opposition to legalization. [78] State agencies charged with regulating new marijuana businesses received over 300 inquiries the next day. [79] Law enforcement began to respond, with the Seattle Police Department publishing a guide to legal marijuana use in Seattle [80] as prosecutors in King and Pierce county quickly decided to drop all misdemeanor cases of marijuana possession, with other non-federal jurisdictions also de-emphasizing arrests for less than 40 grams. [81] [82] [83] [84] [85] [86]

    Governor Christine Gregoire explicitly met with United States Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole to discuss details of implementation after passage of the measure, [87] and governor-elect Jay Inslee has committed himself to being "fully supportive of protecting, defending, and implementing the will of the voter." [88]

    Passage of 502 drew attention from outside the state, eliciting various commentary. The president of the International Narcotics Control Board spoke out against Initiative 502 as a clear violation of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, urging US officials to strongly oppose legalization of non-medical marijuana. [89] Former US president Jimmy Carter referred to 502 and Colorado Amendment 64 in restating his decades-long support for decriminalization and legalization, to "let the American people see" how well it works. [90] In his first interview on the subject after passage, President Barack Obama said that addressing this issue was not a high priority at this point, that international treaty obligations came into play, but that there were "bigger fish to fry." [91] In August 2013, the US Department of Justice elected not to sue Washington and Colorado over legalized marijuana and not to prosecute legal marijuana in those states. [92] [93]

    Washington Initiative 502 (Approved) Final count certified 11/27/12 4:55pm [76]
    ChoiceVotes %
    Check-71-128-204-brightblue.svg Yes1,724,20955.7
    No1,371,23544.3
    Total votes3,095,444100.00
    Registered voters/turnout3,904,94879.27

    Many gathered to smoke publicly at the Space Needle just after midnight on December 6, in violation of the law. No arrests were made. [94]

    Implementation

    A cannabis dispensary in Suquamish, Washington. Agate Dreams cannabis in Suquamish.jpg
    A cannabis dispensary in Suquamish, Washington.

    I-502 mandated that rules for producers, processors and retailers be in place by December 1, 2013. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board had initially anticipated the first proposed section would be approved in April. [95] Distribution of draft rules to all stakeholders was planned May, with initial filing of all rules in June, before public hearings and adoption of the rules, to begin taking initial applications by September, and to begin issuing licenses in December 2013. [96] Some state legislators are reportedly moving to "slow down" this rule-making process [97] and national opponents Kevin Sabet and Patrick J. Kennedy have started Project SAM to promote what they call "smart approaches to marijuana." [98]

    Initial draft rules were released on May 16, with the public comment period set to end on June 10, 2013. [99] [100] Public hearings shall begin in August for rules to become effective in September and first licenses expected in December 2013 or the following January. [101] Consultants estimate $495 million in annual sales among 300 stores across all counties, the highest concentration being in King, Pierce and Thurston counties. [102] The first two dozen retail licenses were issued for July 2014, but delays in licensing producers are anticipated to cause supply problems during this early period. [103] [104]

    Following $67.5 million in sales/excise tax revenue during the first full year of legal sales along with a change in the regulatory tax structure to a single 37% retail rate, the state's Economic and Revenue Forecast Council estimated in 2015 that annual marijuana tax revenues would rise several-fold, reaching $369 million by the 2019 fiscal year. [105]

    See also

    Related Research Articles

    The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws is a social welfare organization based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for the reform of marijuana laws in the United States regarding both medical and non-medical use. According to their website, NORML supports "the removal of all penalties for the private possession and responsible use of marijuana by adults, including cultivation for personal use, and casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts" and advocates for "the creation of a legal and regulatory framework for marijuana's production and retail sale to adults". NORML also has a sister organization, NORML Foundation, that focuses on educational efforts and providing legal assistance and support to people affected negatively by current marijuana laws. NORML maintains chapters in a number of US states as well as outside the US in countries such as Canada, France, New Zealand, and South Africa.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Seattle Hempfest</span> Cannabis festival in Seattle, Washington

    Seattle Hempfest is an annual event in the city of Seattle, Washington advocating the legalization of cannabis. Vivian McPeak serves as the organization's executive director. Founded in 1991 as the Washington Hemp Expo, a self-described "humble gathering of stoners" attended by only 500 people, and renamed the following year as Hempfest, it has grown into a three-day annual political rally, concert, and arts and crafts fair with attendance typically over 100,000. Speakers have included Seattle city council member Nick Licata, actor/activist Woody Harrelson (2004), travel writer and TV host Rick Steves (2007), (2010), 2012 Green Party speaker Jill Stein, Dallas Cowboys center Mark Stepnoski (2003), and former chief of the Seattle Police Department Norm Stamper (2006). Hempfest has also in recent years attracted such well-known performers as Fishbone (2002), The Kottonmouth Kings (2004), Rehab (2006), and Pato Banton (2007) to its five stages spread throughout Myrtle Edwards Park and Elliott Bay Park, on Seattle's waterfront.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Legalization of non-medical cannabis in the United States</span> Legalization of marijuana in the United States

    In the United States, the non-medical use of cannabis is legalized in 24 states and decriminalized in 7 states, as of November 2023. Decriminalization refers to a policy of reduced penalties for cannabis offenses, typically involving a civil penalty for possessing small amounts, instead of criminal prosecution or the threat of arrest. In jurisdictions without penalty the policy is referred to as legalization, although the term decriminalization is sometimes used for this purpose as well.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Legal history of cannabis in the United States</span>

    In the United States, increased restrictions and labeling of cannabis as a poison began in many states from 1906 onward, and outright prohibitions began in the 1920s. By the mid-1930s cannabis was regulated as a drug in every state, including 35 states that adopted the Uniform State Narcotic Drug Act. The first national regulation was the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Oregon</span> Use of cannabis in Oregon

    Cannabis in Oregon is legal for both medical and recreational use. In recent decades, the U.S. state of Oregon has had a number of legislative, legal, and cultural events surrounding use of cannabis. Oregon was the first state to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis, and among the first to authorize its use for medical purposes. An attempt to recriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis was turned down by Oregon voters in 1997.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Medical cannabis in the United States</span> Use of cannabis for medical purposes in the United States

    In the United States, the use of cannabis for medical purposes is legal in 38 states, four out of five permanently inhabited U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia, as of March 2023. Ten other states have more restrictive laws limiting THC content, for the purpose of allowing access to products that are rich in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis. There is significant variation in medical cannabis laws from state to state, including how it is produced and distributed, how it can be consumed, and what medical conditions it can be used for.

    Initiative 1068 was a proposed initiative for the November 2010 Washington state general election that would have removed criminal penalties from the adult use, possession, and cultivation of marijuana in Washington. Sponsored by Vivian McPeak, Douglass Hiatt, Jeffrey Steinborn, Philip Dawdy, initiative I-1068 sought to legalize marijuana by removing marijuana offenses from the state's controlled substances act, but failed to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Oregon Ballot Measure 80</span> Cannabis-related ballot initiative

    Oregon Ballot Measure 80, also known as the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, OCTA and Initiative-9, was an initiated state statute ballot measure on the November 6, 2012 general election ballot in Oregon. It would have allowed personal marijuana and hemp cultivation or use without a license and created a commission to regulate the sale of commercial marijuana. The act would also have set aside two percent of profits from cannabis sales to promote industrial hemp, biodiesel, fiber, protein, and oil.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2010 California Proposition 19</span> Failed measure to legalize marijuana

    California Proposition 19 was a ballot initiative on the November 2, 2010, statewide ballot. It was defeated, with 53.5% of California voters voting "No" and 46.5% voting "Yes." If passed, it would have legalized various marijuana-related activities, allowed local governments to regulate these activities, permitted local governments to impose and collect marijuana-related fees and taxes, and authorized various criminal and civil penalties. In March 2010, it qualified to be on the November statewide ballot. The proposition required a simple majority in order to pass, and would have taken effect the day after the election. Yes on 19 was the official advocacy group for the initiative and California Public Safety Institute: No On Proposition 19 was the official opposition group.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Legality of cannabis by U.S. jurisdiction</span>

    Cannabis in the United States is legal in 38 of 50 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use. At the federal level, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, determined to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, prohibiting its use for any purpose. Despite this prohibition, federal law is generally not enforced against the possession, cultivation, or intrastate distribution of cannabis in states where such activity has been legalized.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 Colorado Amendment 64</span> Ballot measure in Colorado legalizing marijuana

    Colorado Amendment 64 was a successful popular initiative ballot measure to amend the Constitution of the State of Colorado, outlining a statewide drug policy for cannabis. The measure passed on November 6, 2012, and along with a similar measure in Washington state, marked "an electoral first not only for America but for the world."

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Pete Holmes (politician)</span> American lawyer

    Peter S. Holmes is an American politician and attorney who served as the Seattle City Attorney from 2010 to 2022. He was elected in November 2009, defeating incumbent Tom Carr by a significant margin. After winning a second term uncontested in 2013, he defeated challenger Scott Lindsay in 2017 with nearly 75% of the vote, but failed to advance from the primary in a bid for a fourth term in the 2021 election.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of cannabis laws in the United States</span> Historical list in chronological order of U.S. cannabis law

    The legal history of cannabis in the United States began with state-level prohibition in the early 20th century, with the first major federal limitations occurring in 1937. Starting with Oregon in 1973, individual states began to liberalize cannabis laws through decriminalization. In 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis, sparking a trend that spread to a majority of states by 2016. In 2012, Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act</span>

    The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act is a series of federal marijuana decriminalization bills that have been introduced multiple times in the United States Congress.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2014 Oregon Ballot Measure 91</span> Ballot measure in Oregon legalizing marijuana

    Oregon Ballot Measure 91 was a 2014 ballot measure in the U.S. state of Oregon. Its passage legalized the "recreational use of marijuana, based on regulation and taxation to be determined by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission".

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Arkansas</span> Legal status

    Cannabis in Arkansas is illegal for recreational use. First-time possession of up to four ounces (110 g) is punished with a fine of up to $2,500, imprisonment of up to a year, and a mandatory six month driver's license suspension. Medical use was legalized in 2016 by way of a ballot measure to amend the state constitution.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 California Proposition 64</span> 2016 California voter initiative that legalized recreational cannabis

    The Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) was a 2016 voter initiative to legalize cannabis in California. The full name is the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. The initiative passed with 57% voter approval and became law on November 9, 2016, leading to recreational cannabis sales in California by January 2018.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Arizona</span> Overview of the use and culture of cannabis in Arizona, U.S.

    Cannabis in Arizona is legal for recreational use. A 2020 initiative to legalize recreational use passed with 60% of the vote. Possession and cultivation of recreational cannabis became legal on November 30, 2020, with the first state-licensed sales occurring on January 22, 2021.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Cannabis in Washington (state)</span> Overview of cannabis use and culture in Washington state

    Cannabis in Washington relates to a number of legislative, legal, and cultural events surrounding the use of cannabis. On December 6, 2012, Washington became the first U.S. state to legalize recreational use of marijuana and the first to allow recreational marijuana sales, alongside Colorado. The state had previously legalized medical marijuana in 1998. Under state law, cannabis is legal for medical purposes and for any purpose by adults over 21.

    <i>Marijuana Nation</i> 2014 book by Roger Roffman

    Marijuana Nation is a 2014 book by University of Washington professor Roger Roffman. The book describes his involvement as an Army officer in the Vietnam War, and later as a NORML member leading Washington State legislation, the Marijuana Education and Control Act of 1977. The act would have decriminalized cannabis in the state 35 years before the eventual passage of Washington Initiative 502 (I-502). The legislation passed 52 to 43 in the Washington State House in April 1977, but died in the state Senate.

    References

    1. 1 2 Reed, Sam; Washington State Secretary of State (2011), Proposed Initiative to the Legislature – 2011 , retrieved August 27, 2011
    2. ↑ Zylstra, Brian (December 29, 2011), Marijuana measure petitions roll in , retrieved December 29, 2011
    3. ↑ Kaminsky, Jonathan (February 9, 2012), "Initiative to legalize marijuana will go to voters", SeattlePI, retrieved February 21, 2012
    4. ↑ Martin, Jonathan (November 6, 2012). "Voters agree to legalize pot". Seattle Times. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
    5. ↑ Reed, Sam (December 5, 2012). "Gregoire & Reed certify 2012 election, including marriage & marijuana laws". News Release. Washington State Secretary of State. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
    6. ↑ McKenna, Rob (July 15, 2011). "Re: Initiative No. 502" (PDF). Attorney General of Washington. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
    7. ↑ "Fact Sheet: Initiative 502's impact on the Washington State Liquor Control Board" (PDF). Washington State Liquor Control Board. 2012. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
    8. ↑ "I-502 – Washington's New Marijuana Regulation Law Frequently Asked Questions" (PDF). ACLU of Washington. November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
    9. ↑ Martin, Jonathan (March 21, 2012). "State: Potential I-502 pot revenue double what supporters predict". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
    10. ↑ Jon, Walker (February 23, 2011). "Official Washington State Analysis: Marijuana Legalization Would Add Hundreds of Millions to State Coffers". Fire Dog Lake. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
    11. 1 2 Holden, Dominic (June 21, 2011). "Legalize It: A Smart New Initiative Makes Washington State Ground Zero in the National Fight to End Marijuana Prohibition". The Stranger . Seattle, Washington. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
    12. ↑ Johnson, Gene (August 10, 2012). "Wash.: Legal pot could bring in $2B over 5 years". Seattle Post-Intelligencer . Retrieved August 10, 2012.
    13. ↑ Holden, Dominic (August 10, 2012). "WA Pot Initiative Could Generate $1.9 Billion in Revenue Over Five Years". The Stranger. Archived from the original on August 13, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
    14. ↑ "OFM Fiscal Impact Statement (I-502)" (PDF). Washington State Office of Financial Management. August 10, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 11, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
    15. ↑ "What could $582,000,000 every year do?". New Approach Washington. September 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
    16. ↑ Martin, Jonathon. "DUI Controversy". Pro-pot campaign gets big names, deep pockets. Seattle Times. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
    17. ↑ "New Approach Washington Files Initiative to Legalize, Tax, and Regulate Marijuana Sponsors Include Civic, Public Health, Legal Community Leaders" (PDF). New Approach Washington. June 22, 2011. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
    18. ↑ "Sponsors". New Approach Washington. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
    19. ↑ "Continuing Political Committees". Public Disclosure Commission. 2012. Archived from the original on September 7, 2013. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
    20. ↑ "Online Voter's Guide". Washington State Secretary of State. 2012. Archived from the original on March 29, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
    21. ↑ Martin, Jonathan (October 5, 2012). "Little organized opposition to marijuana-legalization initiative". The Seattle Times . Retrieved October 5, 2012.
    22. ↑ Connelly, Joel (September 17, 2011). "State Dems: Legalize marijuana". seattlepi.com .
    23. ↑ Spokesman-Review Editorial Board (December 28, 2011). "I-502 offers smart path to marijuana legalization". Spokesman.com .
    24. ↑ "Endorsements". New Approach Washington. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
    25. ↑ "Sixteen state lawmakers endorse initiative to legalize marijuana". Bainbridge Island Review. May 2, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
    26. ↑ Ellison, Jake (February 21, 2012). "State of the City, Seattle mayor: Legalize marijuana so we can stop crime". KPLU-FM. Archived from the original on May 12, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
    27. ↑ Martin, Jonathan (October 1, 2012). "$1 million more for marijuana legalization campaign — and support from King County sheriff". Politics Northwest blog. The Seattle Times . Retrieved October 2, 2012.
    28. ↑ Young, Bob (April 24, 2012). "Longtime sergeant Urquhart joins race for King County sheriff". The Seattle Times . Retrieved April 25, 2012.
    29. ↑ "Vote YES on Initiative 502: A New Approach to Marijuana". Children's Alliance of Washington. September 10, 2012. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved October 5, 2012.
    30. ↑ Shapiro, Nina (June 14, 2012). "Black Pastors Endorse I-502 Despite Controversy in African American Community". Seattle Weekly. Archived from the original on June 17, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
    31. ↑ "Northwest NAACP Calls on Faith Leaders to Support Cannabis Tax Act". The Skanner. August 10, 2012. Retrieved August 24, 2012.
    32. ↑ "NAACP Endorses WA's Marijuana Initiative". Snohomish Times. August 27, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2012.
    33. ↑ St. Pierre, Allen (February 17, 2012). "Endorsed: NORML Supports Marijuana Legalization Initiative in Washington State". blog.norml.org. NORML Board of Directors. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
    34. ↑ McKinley, Jesse (March 8, 2012). "Pat Robertson Says Marijuana Use Should be Legal". The New York Times. pp. A14. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
    35. ↑ Vestal, Shawn (March 24, 2012). "Hard to rationalize pot prohibition". The Spokesman Review. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
    36. ↑ "Cops and Judges Endorse Washington's Marijuana Legalization Initiative". Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. March 21, 2012. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
    37. ↑ Martin, Jonathan (March 19, 2012). "Libertarian Presidential Candidate Endorses Washington Marijuana Legalization". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on April 14, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
    38. ↑ Shapiro, Nina (May 1, 2012). "Prince of Pot Marc Emery Endorses I-502, Says Initiative's Critics Are 'Jealous'". Seattle Weekly. Archived from the original on June 21, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
    39. ↑ Elliott, Steve (April 30, 2012). "Emery Endorses I-502; Calls Opposition Foolish and Dangerous". Toke of the Town. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
    40. ↑ "Endorsements". New Approach Washington. 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2012.
    41. ↑ Martin, Jonathan (July 22, 2012). "Marijuana initiative gets $1.25 million in new donations". The Seattle Times . Retrieved July 23, 2012.
    42. ↑ Ethan Nadelmann ICBC San Francisco 2015 , retrieved July 7, 2022. 25:30 - 25:55.
    43. ↑ Editorial Board (September 22, 2012). "Editorial: Approve Initiative 502 — It's time to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana". Seattle Times . Retrieved September 24, 2012.
    44. ↑ Editorial Board (October 2, 2012). "Editorial: Regulation, taxation of marijuana worth a try". The Spokesman-Review . Retrieved October 2, 2012.
    45. ↑ Editorial Board (September 30, 2012). "In Our View: Legalizing & Taxing Marijuana Endorsed". The Columbian . Retrieved September 30, 2012.
    46. ↑ Editorial Board (September 23, 2012). "Initiative is a step toward making sense of marijuana laws". The Olympian . Retrieved September 24, 2012.
    47. ↑ Wenatchee World Editorial Board (October 20, 2012). "Prohibition still fails; yes on I-502". The Wenatchee World . Retrieved October 22, 2012.
    48. ↑ Holden, Dominic (March 6, 2012). "Pot Activists vs. Pot Activists". The Stranger. Retrieved August 20, 2012.
    49. ↑ Shapiro, Nina (December 6, 2012). "Marijuana Legalization Initiative 502 Coasts to Decisive Victory". Seattle Weekly. Archived from the original on November 9, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
    50. ↑ Richardson, John A. (November 2, 2012). "Introducing the Great Marijuana Prohibitionists of 2012". The Politics Blog. Esquire . Retrieved November 3, 2012.
    51. ↑ "Patients Against New Approach Washington, Facebook Page". Facebook .
    52. ↑ Bayer, Richard MD.; Arganian, David; Steinborn Esq., Jeffrey; Mobley MD, Gil; Letter to I-502 Sponsors. September 23, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2011 at: "Letter to I-502 Sponsors".
    53. ↑ Holden, Dominic (February 24, 2012). "Sorry, Medical Marijuana Activists, Your Study Doesn't Prove that I-502 Will Nab Sober Drivers for DUIs". The Stranger. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
    54. ↑ St. Pierre, Allen (February 24, 2012). "NORML's Official Reply To Patients Against I-502". NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform. Executive Director, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
    55. ↑ Belville, "Radical" Russ (February 28, 2012). ""Radical" Russ debunks the idea that second-hand pot smoke could cause a DUID". The Stash (blog). NORML. Archived from the original on March 3, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
    56. ↑ Holden, Dominic (October 25, 2011). "High-pocrisy: The Campaign to Kill a Pot Legalization Initiative Is Led by the Biggest Pot Smokers of All". The Stranger. Retrieved March 25, 2012.
    57. ↑ Bauman, Valerie (February 12, 2012), "Medical dispensaries fighting pot legalization", Puget Sound Business Journal , retrieved February 22, 2012
    58. ↑ Holden, Dominic (February 13, 2012). "Anti-Pot Campaign to Be Funded by Doctors, Lawyers, and Maybe Medical Pot Dispensaries". The Stranger. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
    59. ↑ Holden, Dominic (April 13, 2012), "Smokeless in Seattle", The New York Times, pp. A31, retrieved April 13, 2012
    60. ↑ Bellingham Herald Editorial Board (September 9, 2012). "I-502 has flushed out the medical cannabis industry". Bellingham Herald. Retrieved September 9, 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
    61. ↑ Martin, Jonathan (November 16, 2011), "Pot measure is tough sell at cop conference", Seattle Times , retrieved December 29, 2011
    62. ↑ Rhodes, Jeff (September 11, 2012). "I-502 gains expected opposition, surprising ally". The Olympia Report. Freedom Foundation. Retrieved October 5, 2012.
    63. ↑ Schaub, Kevin (February 9, 2012), "Law enforcement opposes initiative 502", KNDO-TV 23, retrieved February 21, 2012
    64. ↑ Cerna, Enrique (February 21, 2012). "Ask the Governor". KCTS-TV. Archived from the original on May 28, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
    65. ↑ Williams, June (April 7, 2014). "City Ban on Pot Gardens Upheld in Washington State". WCI. Retrieved July 5, 2016.[ permanent dead link ]
    66. ↑ Connely, Joel (March 23, 2012). "Inslee: No to marijuana legalization initiative". Strange Bedfellows Blog. Seattle Post Intelligencer. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
    67. ↑ Johnson, Gene (August 14, 2012). "Spokesman for pot group fired at own news conference". Seattle Times. Retrieved September 3, 2012.
    68. ↑ Driscoll, Matt (August 16, 2012). "UPDATED: Safe Access Alliance Dissolves, a Day After MMJ Group's Disastrous Press Conference". The Daily Weekly. Seattle Weekly. Archived from the original on August 19, 2012. Retrieved September 3, 2012.
    69. ↑ "Deconstructing I-502, Part 7: Hemp Halfway Home". March 23, 2012. Retrieved April 15, 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
    70. ↑ Driscoll, Matt (July 31, 2012). "Sensible Washington Gets Early Start on 2013 Initiative Effort to End Pot Prohibition". The Daily Weekly. Seattle Weekly. Archived from the original on August 3, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2012.
    71. ↑ Heffter, Emily (August 16, 2012). "Even at Hempfest, no consensus on legalizing pot in Washington". Seattle Times. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
    72. ↑ Holden, Dominic (August 17, 2012). "Hempfest Is Happening Right Now—but They're Not Trying to Legalize Pot". The Slog. The Stranger. Retrieved August 19, 2012.
    73. ↑ Seattle Times Editorial Board (August 20, 2012). "Get real about initiative to legalize marijuana". Seattle Times Editorial. Seattle Times. Retrieved August 20, 2012.
    74. ↑ Editorial Board (September 11, 2012). "Don't make marijuana legal in state". Walla Walla Union-Bulletin. Archived from the original on September 13, 2012. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
    75. ↑ Editorial Board (October 22, 2012). "Reject marijuana initiative". Tri-City Herald . Retrieved October 22, 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
    76. 1 2 "November 6, 2012 General Election Results". The state of Washington. September 3, 2013.
    77. ↑ Oregonian Editorial Board (November 7, 2012). "Oregon lawmakers should take up marijuana legalization". The Oregonian . Retrieved November 8, 2012.
    78. ↑ CBS News (November 8, 2012). "Mexico's new gov to review pot fight after US vote". CBS News. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
    79. ↑ Boone, Rolf (November 9, 2012). "Inquiries about pot production, sale flood two state agencies". The Olympian . Retrieved November 9, 2012.
    80. ↑ Spangenthal-Lee, Jonah (November 9, 2012). "Marijwhatnow? A Guide to Legal Marijuana Use In Seattle". SPD Blotter. Seattle Police Department . Retrieved November 9, 2012.
    81. ↑ Martin, Jonathan (November 9, 2012). "220 marijuana cases dismissed in King, Pierce counties". Seattle Times . Retrieved November 9, 2012.
    82. ↑ "NORTH OLYMPIC PENINSULA — Pot enforcement put on hold for small amounts — except on federal lands". Peninsula Daily News. November 10, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
    83. ↑ McVicker, Laura (November 13, 2012). "Some local misdemeanor marijuana cases to be dismissed: Passage of state's legalization law prompts plan by county prosecutor". The Columbian, p. A1. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
    84. ↑ Clouse, Thomas (November 15, 2012). "Spokane County won't take legal action on pot cases". The Spokesman-Review . Retrieved November 15, 2012.
    85. ↑ Spears, Michael (November 15, 2012). "Yakima prosecutors to throw out pending marijuana cases". KIMA-TV. Archived from the original on November 20, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
    86. ↑ Stephenson, Megan (November 29, 2012). "County drops 60 pot cases". North Kitsap Herald. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
    87. ↑ Ramsey, Bruce (November 14, 2012). "Gregoire asks Justice Department about marijuana". Ed cetera blog. Seattle Times . Retrieved November 15, 2012.
    88. ↑ Feit, Josh (November 14, 2012). "Inslee on pot". Seattle Met. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
    89. ↑ Newman, Raechelle (November 15, 2012). "INCB President voices concern about the outcome of recent referenda about non-medical use of cannabis in the United States in a number of states" (PDF). Press release. International Narcotics Control Board. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 2, 2012. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
    90. ↑ Cirilli, Kevin (December 11, 2012). "Former president Jimmy Carter OK with legalizing marijuana". Politico . Retrieved December 12, 2012.
    91. ↑ Dwyer, Devin (December 14, 2012). "Marijuana Not High Obama Priority". Barbara Walters interview. 20/20 (U.S. TV series). Retrieved December 14, 2012.
    92. ↑ Southall, Ashley; Healy, Jack (August 29, 2013). "U.S. Won't Sue to Reverse States' Legalization of Marijuana". The New York Times . Retrieved August 29, 2013.
    93. ↑ Knickerbocker, Brad (August 29, 2012). "Obama administration backs off on state marijuana laws". The Christian Science Monitor . Retrieved August 29, 2013.
    94. ↑ Myers, Laura L. (December 7, 2012). "Marijuana goes legal in Washington state amid mixed messages". Reuters . Retrieved December 7, 2012.
    95. ↑ "Proposed Producer Rules: Marijuana Producer Rulemaking Underway". Washington State Liquor Control Board. December 5, 2012. Archived from the original on December 23, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
    96. ↑ "I-502 Implementation Timeline" (PDF). Washington State Liquor Control Board. April 17, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
    97. ↑ Martin, Jonathan (January 8, 2013). "House Democrats should tread carefully in tinkering with marijuana rules". Seattle Times . Retrieved January 10, 2013.
    98. ↑ Johnson, Gene (January 9, 2013). "Former Rep. Kennedy, marijuana opponents regroup after legalization votes in Wash., Colo". Associated Press . Retrieved January 10, 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
    99. ↑ "Initiative 502 Initial Draft Rules". Washington State Liquor Control Board. May 16, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
    100. ↑ Carpenter, Michael (May 16, 2013). "Initial-Draft-Rules-05-16-13.pdf" (PDF). Washington State Liquor Control Board . Retrieved May 21, 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
    101. ↑ "Proposed Rules Highlights" (PDF). Washington State Liquor Control Board. July 3, 2013. Retrieved July 4, 2013.
    102. ↑ Schrader, Jordan (July 3, 2013). "State's marijuana consultants finishing up work". Tacoma News Tribune . Retrieved July 4, 2013.
    103. ↑ Spitzer, Gabriel (July 7, 2014). "First Round Of Marijuana Stores Get Wash. State Licenses". KPLU-FM . Retrieved July 7, 2014.[ permanent dead link ]
    104. ↑ Vorenberg, Sue (July 7, 2014). "Local pot stores opening ... soon: Vancouver retail marijuana sales expected to start this week pending state process". The Columbian . Retrieved July 7, 2014.
    105. ↑ Paul Ausick (October 24, 2015). "Washington to Collect $1 Billion From Pot Taxes". 24/7 Wall St. Retrieved October 25, 2015.
    This page is based on this Wikipedia article
    Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
    Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.