Two separate cannabis bills have progressed in Washington State which could see consumption in public and home cultivation legalized shortly.
The first measure, House Bill 1932, which would establish a new category of business permits allowing event organizers to set up designated cannabis consumption areas, received its first public hearing in the House Committee on Friday, February 21.
Meanwhile, on the same day, the State House committee advanced House Bill 1449, which seeks to legalize the home cultivation of up to six plants at home for personal consumption. This bill is now scheduled for a public hearing later today.
Both bills would bring some much-needed reprieve for the state, which is in an unique position in the country.
Despite being one of the first states to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2017, the state is considered a ‘federal district’, directly governed by the federal government rather than having full self-governance like the 50 states.
As cannabis remains federally illegal, Congress soon stepped in to block the implementation of the adult-use program, leading to a grey market in which businesses exploited a provision allowing the gifting of up to two ounces to a friend without payment.
Over time, this loophole has been stretched, with entire brick-and-mortar stores now operating under the guise of gifting and legitimate businesses struggling to compete.
HB 1932’s sponsor, Rep. Melanie Morgan (D), described it as primarily a public safety measure, providing legal cannabis users with consumption spaces outside of private homes.
Alongside offering new licences for cannabis events, the measure would also seek to ban alcohol and tobacco sales at events, while requiring budtenders staffing these events to undergo additional training.
The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs have already voiced their opposition to the bill, arguing it could increase driving while under the influence of cannabis.
Meanwhile, HB 1449, sponsored by Rep. Shelley Kloba (D), would allow adults 21 and older to grow up to six cannabis plants, with a household cap of 15 plants.
Yet, the home grow bill has been paired back to include strict regulatory oversight, requiring the state Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) to track homegrown cannabis plants, mandate liability insurance for cultivators, and impose cannabis waste disposal regulations.
