Cannabis Is Breaking Out All Over

As the Washington State Legislature heads into its first week of hearings and operation for the 2014 session it has some budget issues, transportation, and what looks like a bunch of cannabis issues too. The passage of the state’s recreational use statute and agency-recommended changes to the long standing medical marijuana (MMJ) law are bringing both uses by citizens to the forefront. Some of the bills scheduled for hearing next week have just been introduced, others are holdovers from the 2013 session.

Legislative Proposed Laws and Citizen’s Proposed Laws

We have already reported on the four initiatives filed to date with the Secretary of State. Indications are that refinements and additional subject initiatives will be filed in the near future. One of the policy challenges for the cannabis community is trying to affect so many moving targets. And no one has taken the time or courage to address the taxation variances of MMJ and recreational cannabis. As we know, budget matters are the last train out of Oly at the end of the session, so don’t ignore, just be ready.

The Week Of January 13th

The following bills are scheduled for hearing next week:

HB 1597 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1597&year=2013

HB 2116 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2116&year=2013

HB 2149 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2149&year=2013

HB 5996 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2149&year=2013

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