Recreational Marijuana Guidelines for the State of Washington

Washington recreational cannabis regulations

Washington recreational cannabis regulations: Washinton State's Initiative 502 (I-502) was voted into law back in November of 2012. It was around the same time recreational cannabis became legal in the state of Colorado. These laws allow the creation of a regulated and licensed system of recreational marijuana production and distribution.

I-502 was passed nearly six years ago, and many of the state's residents still don't know the rules behind the law. Let's dig into them a little more.

Washington Recreational Cannabis Regulations

Purchasing and Possession

Anyone over the age of 21 with a valid ID or drivers license can legally purchase marijuana in Washington State without a card. Some local jurisdictions have banned dispensaries within their city limits though.

Purchases include both cannabis and cannabis-infused products. If a minor is caught consuming marijuana, they could face suspension of a driver's license, fines, and even drug rehab.

Customers can purchase up to one ounce of cannabis bud or flower at a time. The limit for liquids is 72 ounces, for concentrates is 7 grams, and for edibles, the limit is 16 ounces.

This is the limit you're allowed to have on you at all times. If you possess more than this limit at a time, you could be subject to a hefty fine or jail time.

If you hold a medical marijuana card prescribed to you by a physician, you can have up to 24 ounces of marijuana at a time.

Consumption Laws

When it comes to smoking the cannabis you've purchased, it's against the law to light up in any public place. You are allowed to smoke on private property, as long as there aren't smoking restrictions held by the landlord.

If the public place next to your private residence can smell the smoke, action can be taken against you.

The best place for consumers to consume their cannabis is in private homes, marijuana friendly hotels, or marijuana collective social clubs.

As a driver in Washington, if you are arrested you automatically give your consent for drug testing. A person with as little as five nanograms per milliliter of THC in their bloodstream will be considered as driving under the influence. If a test is refused, fines and jail time can still be given out.

Traveling with marijuana bought from the State of Washington to other states is illegal - by mail or car. If a package is sent by federal mail, both the send and receiver can receive prosecution from both states involved. Those breaking these laws can face up to five years in prison and hefty fines.

Cultivation

Private growing is not allowed in the state of Washington - as opposed to the state of Colorado. Dispensaries and processors are not allowed to grow their own marijuana; if caught they would face a hefty $10,000 fine and five years jail time. This law stands whether there was an intent to sell or not.

The only businesses allowed to cultivate marijuana in the state of Washington are licensed grow facilities.

What do you think of the Washington recreational cannabis regulations?

>> Recreational Cannabis User Guidelines for the State of California

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