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Washington
Updated: 20 Apr 2010
Population: 6,566,073
GDP Per Capita: $40,407
Decriminalized: No
Medical Marijuana: Yes
GDP Per Capita: $40,407
Decriminalized: No
Medical Marijuana: Yes
Laws & Penalties
Possession:
-Minimum: $250 fine, 1 day
-Maximum: $1,000 fine, 90 days
Sales/Manufacturing:
-Minimum: Fine, probation and/or some time in jail (varies by case)
-Maximum: $10,000 fine, 5 years
Pending Legislation:
-Senate Bill 5798, Concerning Medical Marijuana
Updates existing law to allow additional health care professionals to recommend marijuana therapy to patients; signed into law in April 2010 and takes effect June 10, 2010.
Data based on first offense. Penalties can vary based on circumstance and official discretion.
-Minimum: $250 fine, 1 day
-Maximum: $1,000 fine, 90 days
Sales/Manufacturing:
-Minimum: Fine, probation and/or some time in jail (varies by case)
-Maximum: $10,000 fine, 5 years
Pending Legislation:
-Senate Bill 5798, Concerning Medical Marijuana
Updates existing law to allow additional health care professionals to recommend marijuana therapy to patients; signed into law in April 2010 and takes effect June 10, 2010.
Data based on first offense. Penalties can vary based on circumstance and official discretion.
Enforcement Stats
Possession (Adults & Juvenile): 13,027
Sale & Manufacturing (Adult & Juvenile): 1,219
Juvenile Arrests (Possession & Sale): 2,040
Total Marijuana Related Arrests: 14,246
Arrests Per Capita: 3 out of 1,000
DEA Seizures (Marijuana): 157,409.6 pounds
Sale & Manufacturing (Adult & Juvenile): 1,219
Juvenile Arrests (Possession & Sale): 2,040
Total Marijuana Related Arrests: 14,246
Arrests Per Capita: 3 out of 1,000
DEA Seizures (Marijuana): 157,409.6 pounds
Medical Marijuana
Summary: Law became effective Nov. 3, 1998.
Registered Patients: Unknown (no kept record)
Amount Allowed: 24 ounces, 15 plants (more upon application)
Qualifying Conditions: HIV, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, or spasticity disorders, glaucoma (acute or chronic), Crohn's, Hepatitis C, anorexia (resulting in nausea, vomiting, wasting, appetite loss, cramping, seizures, muscle spasms, or spasticity)
Distribution System: Not legal
Patient/ Caretaker Registration Fee: Not applicable
Dispensary Fee: Not applicable
Registered Patients: Unknown (no kept record)
Amount Allowed: 24 ounces, 15 plants (more upon application)
Qualifying Conditions: HIV, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy or other seizure disorder, or spasticity disorders, glaucoma (acute or chronic), Crohn's, Hepatitis C, anorexia (resulting in nausea, vomiting, wasting, appetite loss, cramping, seizures, muscle spasms, or spasticity)
Distribution System: Not legal
Patient/ Caretaker Registration Fee: Not applicable
Dispensary Fee: Not applicable
Related Links and Information
- Citizen initiative would legalize pot in Washington state (SeattlePI.com)
- Washington State's Medical-Marijuana Law Is Too Restrictive (The Seattle Times)
- Washington State's Medical-Marijuana Law Is Too Restrictive (The Seattle Times)
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce, Drug Enforcement Agency,FBI Uniform Crime Report (Arrest Appendix), State Attorney General offices; state crime statutes. (Date based on 2008 figures) Arrest statistics based on covered population in 2008 FBI Uniform Crime Report not actual population as compiled by the US Census.
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