Modifications to Current Washington Mediacl Marijuana Law Approved by State Senate

Up until now, the Medical Marijuana Washington law was unclear in many areas. After a 29-20 approval by the State Senate, those gray areas could become more defined.

On its way to the State House of Representatives, the bill seeks to clarify the distribution chain, as well as offer additional patient protection against arrest--in additional to other items. Currently Washington Medical Marijuana law allows patients to possess cannabis, but does not allow for cannabis sales to take place. Rather, patients are required to cultivate their own--a task often too expensive and physically demanding for the very sick.

As a result, patients have formed collectives to grow and disperse cannabis among its members. An activity that elicits mixed feelings from both law enforcement and policy makers. And while the Health Department maintains these operations are illicit, the Revenue Department has begun seeking sales tax revenues from these dispensaries in February, 2010.

The bill in question aims to clarify this gray area by requiring caregivers and growers to apply for licenses and to be regulated by the Health Department. In addition, the Health Department would create a registry with access by authorized law enforcement individuals.

Advocates of this measure believe this will help to provide additional access and protection to those who are in need. While dissenters are concerned about the ability of law enforcement to properly enforce the law. If performed properly, this bill could see a great boost to the Washington Medical Marijuana movement, as well as the nation's.