Marijuana Dispensary: Washington’s Cannabis Laws & Progress
10+ Years of Legalization in Washington
Washington became one of the first two states to legalize adult-use cannabis in November 2012 with Initiative 502 (I-502). This law legalized possession of up to one ounce for adults 21+ while establishing a regulated and taxed cannabis industry. Retail sales began in July 2014.
Medical Cannabis: Washington voters approved medical cannabis in 1998. Patients can grow up to 4 plants at home or 15 per household with state registration.
🚫 Home Cultivation Ban for Adult Use
- Washington is one of the only states where home cultivation for recreational use is illegal.
- Growing cannabis at home remains a felony in the state.
- Advocates are pushing lawmakers to allow home grows, but previous bills have failed.
Recent Cannabis Policy Reforms
In Spring 2023, Governor Jay Inslee signed three bills improving cannabis policies:
✅ SB 5123 (Employment Protections) – Prevents most employers from discriminating against job applicants for off-duty cannabis use. (Effective Jan 1, 2024)
✅ SB 5080 (Social Equity Licensing) – Expands Washington’s social equity program, adding 200 more licenses for cannabis businesses.
✅ SB 5069 (Interstate Commerce) – Allows Washington to import/export cannabis once federally legal.
Challenges & Areas for Improvement
⚠️ Home Cultivation Ban – Still illegal for recreational use, with severe penalties.
⚠️ Harsh Penalties for Minors – Under 21 caught with cannabis can face jail time instead of a civil fine.
⚠️ Limited Expungement Laws – Washington has improved expungement policies but not enough compared to other states.
⚠️ Job Protections – SB 5123 only protects applicants from pre-employment testing but not current workers.
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Washington has made major progress, but more work is needed. Subscribe to Marijuana Dispensary to stay informed on policy changes and advocacy efforts in Washington.