Statement from House Health Care and Wellness Chair Eileen Cody and Ranking Member Joe Schmick
“Today the House Health Care and Wellness Committee heard passionate testimony both in favor of and in opposition to House Bill 2149.
Last November, Washington voters told us that they approved of the recreational use of marijuana. Fourteen years before I-502, they approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes. To further complicate matters, the possession of marijuana – for both medical and recreational uses – remains a criminal offense under federal law.
This bill comes as a result of hundreds of hours of public testimony from across the state, as well as law enforcement, medical professionals and advocates on all sides of this important issue.
The changes we make align our medical marijuana system with our recreational marijuana system – while respecting that these two uses couldn’t be more different. We also respond to requirements handed down from the federal government and ensure continued access.
Most importantly, by moving this measure forward, we continue to protect health and safety of all Washingtonians – our number one priority.”