Things You Should Know

Medical Marijuana Law Expanded - Last update: May 18, 2007

SB 6032, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-Seattle), passed the House 68-27 and the Senate 37-9. SB 6032 has now been signed in to law by Governor Chris Gregoire (D). SB 6032 amends Washington's existing medical marijuana law to codify certain qualifying conditions that have been approved by the Washington State Medical Quality Assurance Commission since the original law took effect in 1998. Crohn's disease, Hepatitis C, and diseases that cause nausea, vomiting, wasting, appetite loss, cramping, seizures, and muscles spasms are now officially part of RCW 69.51A — Washington's medical marijuana law.

Perhaps the most significant addition to existing law is the new section that requires the Department of Health to adopt rules defining the quantity of marijuana that could reasonably be presumed to be a sixty-day supply for qualifying patients. The Department of Health has until July 1, 2008 to do this. The question of what a sixty-day supply is has been the topic of serious debate for years, in large part due to the fact that different police officers have different ideas about medical marijuana. Moreover, law enforcement has broad discretion when determining whether to arrest a patient they believe to be in violation of the sixty-day supply rule.

The amendments has gone into effect as of June 22, 2007.

Almost 4 years ago, Seattle passed Initiative 75 — an ordinance that made personal adult marijuana use the city's lowest law enforcement priority — with 58% of the vote. So far, this sensible step forward has proved to be a huge success for the city, as marijuana arrests are down and police have been free to pursue other, more serious crime. You can click here to read the full text of Ordinance 121509. Initiative 75 also established the City of Seattle Marijuana Policy Review Panel, which meets several times a year to monitor the effects of Ordinance 121509. The meetings are open to the public, and interested citizens are encouraged to attend. If you would like to attend the next meeting, click here to find out when the next one will be taking place.

If you would like to help reduce the harm associated with marijuana in Washington, e-mail your elected officials today and ask them to pass laws that remove criminal penalties for the responsible, adult use of marijuana. You can also write letters to your local newspapers that express your support for taxing and regulating marijuana. This is an excellent way to get people talking about reform — what people read in the newspapers often spurs conversation and is a vital part of reform in Washington.

Also, don't forget to subscribe to MPP's free legislative alert service, if you haven't done so already. If you are interested in helping out financially, visit our newest website section — www.mpp.org/giving — to explore various ways that you can support the Marijuana Policy Project.

Know Your Rights Campaign

Cannabis is a helpful herb used regularly by millions of people. Despite this, it is illegal in the United States, and arrests for its use continue to rise. Cannabis users must understand their rights to avoid arrest and prosecution.

Many arrests for cannabis are due to traffic violations and nuisance complaints. Travel safely: Do not smoke and drive. If you travel with cannabis, make sure your vehicle is up to code and your cannabis is concealed, preferably in your locked trunk.

Be a good neighbor: Loud music, bad parking, and domestic disputes can lead law enforcement to your home.

Be discreet: Do not consume cannabis in plain view and keep your cannabis materials stashed safely when not in use. Always conceal cannabis plants from view.

Exercise your rights: Use these magic words to activate your constitutional rights when detained or arrested by the police: "I choose to remain silent, and want to see my lawyer."

You must say these words to the police officers, and then follow them immediately. The police are skillfully trained to achieve one goal: to have you provide all the data needed for your own arrest and conviction.