Representatives Luis Moscoso (D-Mountlake Terrace) and Maureen Walsh (R-Walla Walla) have introduced legislation to create a recognizable system of licensing and regulation for medical cannabis. House Bill 2058 is identical to legislation that passed both the House and Senate in 2011, before being largely vetoed due to concerns about federal intervention.
“With the legalization of recreational marijuana and subsequent changes in federal law and enforcement, we have a real opportunity to create a better medical marijuana system for Washington,” said Moscoso. “It’s time we established clear and consistent regulations that preserve patient rights.”
“Common-sense sideboards and reforms are needed in the existing medical marijuana industry.” said Rep. Walsh. “Voters clearly want recreational and medical marijuana to legally be available. We need to respect the wishes of the voters while designing a functional market that meets the need of our medical marijuana patients and recreational users.”
Ambiguity in the laws surrounding collective gardens have created a challenging environment for doctors, patients, care providers and state officials. House Bill 2058 ensures best practices for product safety, compliance, and employment standards, while guaranteeing patients maintain reliable access to affordable medicine.
“We must ensure that patients maintain safe, affordable access to medicine that works,” said Representative Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo) who co-sponsored the bill with Moscoso and Walsh. “Action by the Legislature provides needed guidance for care providers who seek clear direction, as well as patients who use cannabis to treat terminal and debilitating medical conditions.”
House Bill 2058 will likely be referred to the Commerce and Gaming committee to await a public hearing.