The voters of Washington state, who turned out in greater numbers — 81 percent –than any other state in the nation, did two brave things in approving marriage equality and ending cannabis prohibition.
I am very proud of how many Washingtonians voted, and of the choices they made.
Washington state’s constitution embraces the principle of personal liberty, and after more than 100 years our citizens still cherish that principle.
But with cannabis, or what we used to call “marijuana,” the hard work has just begun.
In Washington adults may now possess a small amount of cannabis without fear of arrest or going to jail, but our state still must develop a system to license and strictly regulate growers and sellers of cannabis.
Until our new regulations are in place, people need to know it’s still illegal to grow or sell cannabis, unless you’re a qualified medical cannabis patient getting it from authorized collective gardens and their access points.
So as we carefully develop a rational system to control cannabis, we need your ideas — and your patience.
This is the first time in world history that we have a chance to regulate cannabis in a proper and thoughtful way, and I know we’ll do it right.
The federal government would also be wise to back off and let us do it right, and not interfere with our inherent authority to protect the health, welfare and safety of our people.
We will show America and the world how it’s safer and smarter to regulate cannabis as we do alcohol. Neither drug is for kids, and just as it’s illegal to drink in public or drink and drive, people need to know they can’t smoke pot in public, or do so and get behind the wheel.
Washington state has some of the smartest, most creative and courageous people in the world, and I’m confident we’ll find innovative ways of making Initiative 502 work for everyone.
Rep. Roger Goodman (D-Kirkland)
roger.goodman@leg.wa.gov
District office: 425-739-1810
Cell phone: 425-736-8009