Washington is one of the most progressive states in the nation when it comes to cannabis laws. Washington State was one of the first states to pass medical cannabis legislation in 1998, and it’s one of only eight states in which recreational cannabis is legal.
CBD from Hemp Oil in Washington
Hemp CBD oil is federally legal in the U.S. Individual state laws, however, are dynamic and some states have and will enact their own laws regulating hemp-derived CBD.
Medical Cannabis in Washington
Medical cannabis has been legal in Washington since the passing of ballot initiative I-692 on November 3, 1998. Since the law was passed, a variety of updates have been made to the medical cannabis policy, giving patients greater access. Under the law, qualified patients may possess up to 24 ounces of usable cannabis, as well as 15 cannabis plants.
Washington Law approves medical cannabis for the following conditions:
- Cachexia
- Cancer
- Crohn’s Disease
- Chronic Renal Failure
- Epilepsy
- HIV / AIDS
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C with Debilitating Nausea or Intractable Pain
- Intractable Pain
- Multiple Sclerosis
Washington law also approves medical cannabis for diseases that cause the following symptoms:
- Appetite Loss
- Cramping
- Muscle Spasms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Spasticity
- Wasting
You can find Washington State’s Medical Marijuana program website here.
Recreational Cannabis in Washington
On Nov. 6, 2012, Washington voters passed Initiative 50 to legalize recreational cannabis. Under the law, it is legal for adults ages 21 and older to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis, and consume it in private. Adults can also possess up to 16 ounces of solid cannabis infused products, and 72 ounces of liquid cannabis infused products.
Public consumption of cannabis in Washington is a civil infraction, subject to a fine of up to $100. Possession of more than the allowed amounts of cannabis, as well as the sale or distribution of cannabis, is criminal offenses.
Cultivation of Cannabis in Washington
Qualified medical cannabis patients can legally cultivate up to 15 cannabis plants. Although adult use cannabis has been legalized, the law does not allow for personal cultivation. The growing of cannabis for personal use is a class C felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Washington has also authorized the growing of hemp for research purposes. In accordance with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, growers can apply for a license to grow hemp within program’s research goals.
Resources:
- http://norml.org/laws/item/washington-penalties-2?category_id=901
- http://medicalCannabis.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881#Washington
- http://bls.dor.wa.gov/Cannabislicense.aspx
- http://www.liq.wa.gov/records/frequently-requested-lists
