by Rhonda Winter

Marijuana activists in the Pacific Northwest are sponsoring a new ballot initiative which would legalize marijuana in Washington state for all adults 21 years of age and older. The group fighting for cannabis legalization, New Approach Washington, has stated that they have collected over 100,000 more signatures than the 241,153 that are required for Initiative 502 to be on next year’s ballot in November 2012.

Unfortunately, the proposed new law would not legalize growing cannabis at home. The only source for weed would be state-licensed and regulated stores. The informative marijuana blog, Toke of the Town, recently highlighted some salient details about the pot reform initiative in Washington:

“I-502 would authorize the state Liquor Control Board to regulate and tax cannabis for those 21 and older. Licensed production, limited possession, delivery, distribution and sale of marijuana in accordance with the provisions of the law would be allowed.

Unfortunately, the initiative would allow the legal possession of only one ounce of dried cannabis, and home growing would be prohibited. Amounts in excess of 1.5 ounces could result in a felony charge, as could any attempt to grow your own. State-licensed stores would be the only legal sources for marijuana under the scheme.

Equally unfortunately, in a bid for middle-of-the-road support, initiative sponsors also included language which would make active THC levels of five nanograms per milliliter (5 ng/ml) and above per se proof of DUI marijuana, subjecting many medical marijuana patients to arrest even when unimpaired.

Sponsors of I-502 say it would generate at least $215 million a year in tax revenue, about $80 million for the Washington state treasury and the rest for research, health care, and other purposes.”

Majority Favor Pot Legalization

There is much growing support among many different groups for legalizing weed nationally, as well as in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle’s most excellent weekly newspaper, the Stranger, reported that:

“New Approach Washington has reported $1.1 million in contributions, which have helped pay for signature gatherers, according to records filed with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission. The largest contribution came from Peter Lewis, former CEO of Progressive Insurance, who kicked $250,000 toward the campaign.”

No Change to Existing Medical Pot Laws

Washington state voters already legalized medical marijuana thirteen years ago in 1998. Medical cannabis patients are currently allowed to grow up to 15 plants and possess up to 24 ounces of dried medicine. The proposed new initiative would not change the current law for medical marijuana patients.