Vetoed by Governor Jay Inslee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the medical marijuana regulation system.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Health to create a medical marijuana authorization database in which a “qualifying patient” or “designated provider” may register and provide the “qualifying patient” a recognition card upon registration (Sec. 21).
• Defines “qualifying patient” as an individual who has been authorized by a medical professional to possess and use medical marijuana (Sec. 17).
• Defines “designated provider” as a parent or guardian of a qualifying patient who is under 18 years of age and holds a recognition card (Sec. 17).
• Authorizes a qualifying patient who is registered with the medical marijuana authorization database to obtain the following amounts of marijuana (Sec. 19):
• An amount of 3 ounces of useable marijuana;
• An amount of 48 ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form;
• An amount of 216 ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form; or
• An amount of 21 grams of marijuana concentrates.
• Authorizes a qualifying patient who is registered with the medical marijuana authorization database to grow up to 6 plants of marijuana and possess up to 8 ounces of useable marijuana in his or her home (Sec. 19).
• Requires a qualifying patient who registers with the medical marijuana authorization database to register at a marijuana retailer that possesses a medical marijuana endorsement (Sec. 21).
• Requires the Department of Revenue to verify certain tax exemptions for a qualifying patient who is registered with the medical marijuana authorization database (Sec. 21).
• Authorizes a qualifying patient who is not registered with the medical marijuana authorization database to perform the following actions (Sec. 19):
• To purchase marijuana at a marijuana retailer only, whether it has a medical marijuana endorsement or not;
• To purchase only the amount of marijuana that is allowed for recreational marijuana use;
• To grow up to 4 plants of marijuana in his or her home; and
• To possess up to 6 ounces of useable marijuana in his or her home.
• Authorizes a qualifying patient to grow up to 15 plants and to possess up to 16 ounces of useable marijuana if a medical professional determines that the qualifying patient’s needs exceed the restricted amounts as expressed above (Sec. 19).
• Requires the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to create a merit-based application process to obtain a license to produce, process, or sell marijuana that grants first priority to an applicant who meets certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 6):
• The applicant has operated a collective garden before January 1, 2013;
• The applicant has maintained a state business and municipal business license; and
• The applicant has paid all applicable state taxes and fees.

Full Bill Text