Marijuana: The Path To Legalization In Washington State

Rep. Denny Heck’s Bill Would Protect Wash. Banks From Pot Prosecution

the conversation with ross reynolds — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:29:55 +0000

Washington state voters legalized marijuana last fall, but the drug still remains illegal under federal law. Most of Washington’s congressional members, including Rep. Dave Reichert and Sen. Patty Murry, have not been supportive of I-502. On the other hand, Rep. Denny Heck of Olympia is co-sponsoring a bill that would allow banks to handle transactions for marijuana businesses without being subject to federal charges. Rep. Heck discusses the proposal with The Conversation’s David Hyde.

Marijuana Growing Could Hamper Seattle's Climate Change Goals

Amy Radil — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:53:14 +0000

The Seattle City Council is embracing a wide-ranging action plan to address climate change. But it’s also considering zoning for a new power-hungry business: indoor marijuana growing.

How To Keep Kids From Eating Marijuana? Go Gray

Amy Radil — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:09:00 +0000

As Washington state moves toward licensing marijuana retail stores, a major concern for public health experts is preventing kids from eating marijuana. They are asking the state to ban marijuana-infused candy and other sweets, and require packaging and flavors that are less appealing to kids.

Washington Pot Logo Viewed As Promotional By Critics

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:19:15 +0000

Washington’s Liquor Control Board has been inundated with feedback on its proposed marijuana regulations. The deadline to submit comments was Monday. The Board is writing the rules for legalized cannabis. Among the many concerns: the state’s new pot logo.

It’s called the Produced in Washington icon. It’s an outline of the state with a marijuana leaf in the middle.

"Big Marijuana" Rolls Out National Brand Name

Amy Radil — Fri, 31 May 2013 15:49:17 +0000

Big marijuana has come to town. That was the message at one of the stranger product launches yet seen in Seattle Thursday. The press conference at Seattle’s Columbia Tower began with a quote from Carl Sagan extolling the serenity bestowed by marijuana. With former Mexican president Vicente Fox at his side, marijuana entrepreneur Jamen Shively told a packed room that marijuana prohibition is like the Berlin Wall and he hopes his new company will help it crumble.

Draft Pot Rules Do Not Cap Grow Sizes Or Number Of Licenses

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:45:28 +0000

Washington’s Liquor Control Board has published 46-pages of proposed rules for the state’s new recreational marijuana market. But the regulations released Thursday are largely silent on two major issues: the number of business licenses that will be allowed and the size of marijuana grow operations.

The draft rules address marijuana producers, processors and retailers. On the production side, the Liquor Control Board proposes to ban outdoor marijuana grows.

Lottery For Pot Retailers Draws Criticism

Amy Radil — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:47:51 +0000

A random drawing: That’s how the Washington State Liquor Control Board proposes choosing applicants for marijuana retail licenses. And it’s drawing major criticism from existing medical marijuana providers.

Marijuana Draft Rules Already Face Opposition

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:48:22 +0000

Washington’s proposed marijuana rules aren’t even 24-hours old. But already critics are finding things not to like. The 46-pages of draft regulations were released Thursday and cover everything from where marijuana can be grown to the criminal backgrounds of license applicants.

DEA Letters "Tap The Brakes" On Legal Marijuana

Amy Radil — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:36:34 +0000

Two weeks ago the federal Drug Enforcement Administration sent cease and desist letters to 11 medical marijuana dispensaries in Seattle. It was the first notable enforcement action in Washington since recreational marijuana was legalized last year. Federal officials say it won’t be the last.

Marijuana Quality Control Bible Nearing Completion

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Entrepreneurs who hope to cash in on legal marijuana will have some heavy reading to do Thursday. That’s when Washington’s Liquor Control Board is expected to release nearly 50 pages of proposed rules for growers, processors and retailers.

But it turns out that there’s another pot rulebook that’s also in development. It’s called the Cannabis Monograph.