OLYMPIA, WA—All individuals who use cannabis products medicinally are are now one step closer to being guaranteed the same protections from arrest, prosecution, or having their plants seized—regardless of whether they are registered in the voluntary medical marijuana registry database.
“No patient should face criminal charges simply because they have chosen not to be entered into the medical marijuana registry,” said Rep. Shelley Kloba, D-Kirkland, author of the bill and chair of the House Commerce and Gaming Committee. “It’s been almost 10 years since Washington led the nation by legalizing recreational cannabis across the state, and though there is still work to be done, this new legislation is a step forward.”
House Bill 1105 provides equal civil and criminal protections to every Washington resident who has authorization from their healthcare provider for medical cannabis. To receive these protections, patients must abide by the state rules, including:
- Meeting all six of the criteria to be deemed a qualified patient.
- Possessing the sanctioned amount of cannabis products or plants.
- Having their medical authorization readily available in the case that a law enforcement officer requests it.
- Displaying a copy of their authorization, as well as their contact information, next to any cannabis plants.
The bill passed the House on a 73-24 vote. It now moves to the Senate.