Justice Department Gives Green Light to Washington Legalized Marijuana

The Justice Department announced today that it has made its decision regarding marijuana in states that have legalized it. Even though marijuana is still illegal under federal law, the Justice Department will allow individuals in Washington and Colorado to use, grow it with a license, and even buy marijuana, so long as it is kept away from kids, federal property, and the black market. This is a huge win for Washington's newly emerging legalized marijuana market.

The Justice Department's green light gives these states the right to license growers and sellers without the fear of federal punishment, prison time, and asset seizure. It also encourages other states that are seeking to legalize marijuana in the upcoming years, such as Alaska who is already slated to vote on it next year.

This new marijuana policy is being referred to as a "trust but verify" approach between the federal government and the states that legalized marijuana. The government expects the states and local authorities to implement strong and effective regulations regarding marijuana use. It also expects them to apprehend those individuals who break these regulations or who abuse them. If states do not handle these individuals sufficiently or if a black market emerges that becomes dangerous, the federal government may seek to challenge the regulatory structure.

The federal government's main priorities involve preventing the distribution to minors and preventing the diversion of marijuana outside of the legal states to illegal states. They are also going to be vigilant in preventing authorized marijuana activity from being used as a cover for trafficking other illegal drugs. In addition, they are also concerned with drugged driving and with preventing marijuana growth and possession on public land or federal property. 

Tax us PLEASE: Marijuana Industry Pleads to Capitol Hill

"Tax us PLEASE"

That's the message that the marijuana industry and their backers want the federal government to hear. Since marijuana remains illegal under federal law, Washington's newly legalized marijuana industry wants the federal government to consider taxing it like alcohol and adding billions to the federal treasury. Not a bad proposal for a government looking for some extra cash. They're also hoping to cash in on some much-needed federal tax deductions in the process. 

The marijuana industry wants to be treated like every other legitimate business. They want to tax their product and take tax deductions for income like other small businesses. The idea is gaining momentum on Capitol Hill and has many legislators salivating over the extra revenue that taxing legalized marijuana could yield.

In the House of Representatives, there are already two pieces of legislation pending. The first would legalize marijuana, tax it, and regulate it nationally. Unfortunately, most in Washington do not expect this to pass anytime in the near future.

The other bill is called the Small Business Tax Equity Act and this would allow the IRS to give marijuana businesses some much-needed breaks on federal income taxes. If it passes, they could deduct their rent and other business expenses from federal taxes.

Marijuana advocates argue that if marijuana businesses are not treated like other businesses across the United States, then they are doomed to fail.

Since Attorney General Eric Holder has yet to announce how the federal government will respond to states like Washington who have legalized marijuana, marijuana sellers, growers, and distributors risk prison sentences or having their assets seized. In fact, federal DEA agents raided four medical marijuana dispensaries in Washington just last month.

“There’s not really any other industry in the country – let alone one that can bring in tens of billions of dollars in tax revenue – that’s standing up and raising its hand and saying we’re ready to step up to the plate and help the country solve its problems, but we are. We hope that Congress will hear us.

---Steve DeAngelo, Executive Director of the Harborside Health Center Marijuana Dispensary

Washington State Braces for Possible Federal Lawsuit

It has been six months since Attorney General Eric Holder told us that the Justice Department's response to Colorado and Washington's legalization of marijuana was coming soon.  No word has been received yet, so the State of Washington is preparing for the worst-case scenario: a federal lawsuit.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has said that they are preparing for a federal lawsuit while at the same time moving forward with implementing the new legalized marijuana law. The regulatory framework is being finalized and should be finished by the end of the year. Rules are being worked out and everyone has been hard at work determining when and how to issue licenses to growers, distributors, and sellers.

The police in Seattle even got in on the mix when they handed out bags of Doritos to thousands of citizens who attended Hempfest this past weekend.

"We have a legal team, and I've asked them to prepare for a worst-case scenario, which would be a lawsuit. Again, we want to avoid that. I communicated that to Eric Holder earlier in the year, but we want to prepare for whatever eventuality may come along."

                                    ---Bob Ferguson, Washington Attorney General

Until the federal government responds to Washington's legalized marijuana law, the state will continue moving forward to uphold the will of the voters. Will Washington D.C. respect states' rights to legalize marijuana or will they dig their heels in and continue to fight? While no one knows for sure—we'll be prepared just in case. 

Seattle Cops will be Passing Out Doritos NOT Tickets at this Year’s Hempfest in Seattle

Hempfest celebrates its 22^nd year on Seattle’s waterfront and this year is going to be a whole lot different. Since Washington and Colorado became the first states to legalize marijuana by adults over the age of 21, Seattle police officers were left with the question of what to do all day during this event. The answer was simple: instead of passing out tickets or making arrests, the Seattle police will be at Hempfest handing out Doritos.

The Dorito promotion is a funny way for the Seattle police to get involved and help spread the message about legalized pot. Each bag of Doritos will have a label on it urging people to check out the website: “Marijwhatnow? A Guide to Legal Marijuana in Seattle”. This guide will help explain the laws and what is considered illegal in the state. Currently, while it is legal to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, adults are still not allowed to sell it or give it away, and driving under the influence of pot is still a crime. In addition, with the exception of festivals like Hempfest, public consumption of pot is also against the law.

Organizers of Hempfest expect as many as 85,000 people every day of the three-day event, which starts today! While the event is free, Hempfest director is asking for a $10 donation to help offset the costs associated with Hempfest and to ensure that it continues in the future.

In addition to legally getting high, participants at this year’s Hempfest will be treated to over 115 musical acts on six different stages and more than 100 speakers. There will also be over 400 vendors, food, and artwork.

Does Medical Marijuana Save Lives on the Road---Studies Say Yes

As the legalization of marijuana spreads throughout the United States, there are many concerned citizens who have begun to question the side effects this new freedom may carry with it. Yet there may be one surprising result of legalized marijuana. A recent study found that states that have legalized medical marijuana have also seen fewer automotive deaths and injuries.

Research showed that each year the average number of fatalities due to roadway injuries has been on a steady decline—particularly in states that have legalized medical marijuana. This study however does not include Massachusetts, which didn’t pass this legalization until after the data was collected.

Those opposed to the new legal marijuana laws have voiced concerns about the effects pot would have on the safety of our roadways. Yet according to this study, deaths dropped up to 11 percent in the first year after legalizing medical marijuana. By year four, road fatalities decreased by 10-13 percent. Scientists believe the increase in smoking has decreased the amount of alcohol consumption taking place.

It is important to remember, however, that this research does not condone driving under the influence of any substance and they are still conducting studies on the effects marijuana has on your reaction time. Future studies could yield results that could change society’s perception on drug use.

The issue of legalizing marijuana has been around for decades. California was the first state to allow the use of medical marijuana back in 1994. Since then 19 other states have followed suit and two states, Washington and Colorado, have fully legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use. America is paving the way for marijuana legalization and understanding all of the various factors that it has on our society and this recent study is just one more example of the benefits of legalized marijuana. 

Washington Cities Disagree Over Welcoming Legal Marijuana Businesses

This past winter, Washington became one of the first states to legalize the use of personal marijuana for adults 21 years and older. Those of legal age can possess up to one ounce of marijuana legally, which before was considered a misdemeanor charge.

Yet, this new profound freedom has raised some concerns for the citizens of Washington. From zoning regulations to the effects it will have on the youth population, these issues must be addressed before moving forward.

Each city in Washington has decided to handle marijuana businesses differently. Seattle and Shoreline are already moving ahead with zoning and other local rules. Kent and University Place, however, are not. In fact, there may be many cities who do not welcome the legal marijuana business into their limits—and they will do so by not zoning for these businesses.

"I don't think an individual or the state has the right to force us into welcoming pot commerce." 

                                                --Steve Victor, University Place

The Seattle City Council is planning to adopt new zoning rules later this month that will provide guidelines for having marijuana retailers near youth venues. By setting strict restrictions on retailers the City Council will be able to regulate the amount of businesses allowed in the area.

While Seattle is already home to over 150 medical marijuana businesses, the main issue however still remains on how the federal government will dictate the new legalization. City officials are worried about losing their federal grants and having their employees prosecuted if they allow the regulation of marijuana. Since state laws cannot change federal government standards this issue is still up for debate.

Ultimately, however, the courts will determine how things will play out. Things seem to be moving in the right direction for Washington and the other states going through the legalization process. Like all major changes, it becomes a balancing act of outweighing the pros and cons of each issue. By addressing all of the concerns in the beginning, the overall outcome will result in an easier transition into the legalization process. 

Kent Votes NO to Recreational Pot

The Washington State Liquor Control Board is in the process of finalizing rules to start issuing licenses for the many recreational marijuana producers, processors, and retailers across the country. Kent, Washington was once viewed as a prime location for marijuana production but that doesn't seem to be in Kent's future. The City Council voted to ban medical marijuana in June 2012 and it seems that they will be treating recreational marijuana the same way.

While State law allows both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana to be produced and sold, the City of Kent has said that they believe the businesses violate federal law. As such, they will not allow any recreational businesses to open in town next year.

Some on the council are worried, however, that if they don't zone properly for future marijuana businesses, they may be left out in the cold.

"This only stops us from not being able to participate in tax revenue….People will engage in marijuana use and will spend money somewhere. I hate to see us cut off the nose to spite the face."

                                                         --Elizabeth Albertson, Councilwoman

There are a few medical marijuana businesses that still manage to operate in Kent, despite the ban. Under the zoning code, they have no legal right to operate and they have told them multiple times to close. Herbal Choice Caregivers is one business that has fought the city in Kent County Superior Court and for now stays open. 

DEA Raids Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Throughout Washington

When Washington voters legalized recreational marijuana last fall, drug enforcement agencies around the country knew it would be an uphill battle. After all, marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Yesterday, federal drug enforcement agencies flexed their muscles once again and raided several legal medical marijuana dispensaries in the Puget Sound region. Search warrants were issued and several medical marijuana dispensaries were targeted, including Seattle Cross, Tacoma Cross, and Bayside Gardens in Lacey.

Casey Lee of Bayside Gardens said that the DEA seized about $2500 worth of marijuana that was meant for medical patients. Bayside Gardens' employee Addy Norton said that the DEA seized personal cell phones and marijuana. She was also ordered to appear before a federal grand jury in September. According to the DEA, these raids were part of a two year investigation.

According to the DEA, "Several search warrants were executed today involving marijuana storefronts in King, Thurston, and Pierce Counties."

Drug Enforcement Agency Spokeswoman, Jodie Underwood told reporters earlier this year that these storefronts are in violation of state and federal law and that this action was part of an on-going comprehensive strategy to combat drug trafficking. In 2013, the DEA sent 41 warning letters to medical marijuana dispensaries in Seattle ordering them to cease and desist.

Even though Washington voters have clearly spoken up for their right to purchase medical marijuana and recreational marijuana, the Obama administration has continued to threated and harass the State of Washington and their medical marijuana dispensaries—even though most of them are completely compliant with state law. Since he took office in 2008, Barack Obama's administration has raided over 4x as many marijuana dispensaries as President Bush in half the time.