NUGGETRY News » Washington http://news.nuggetry.com Sat, 25 May 2013 14:37:08 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Washington Reveals Legal Marijuana Guidelines http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-reveals-legal-marijuana-guidelines/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-reveals-legal-marijuana-guidelines/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 19:26:16 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4590 The Liquor Control Board's release details the regulations for Washington's legal marijuana program, which was approved by voters last November.  New state run marijuana shops will be allowed to be open 7 days a week for up to 20 hours per day.  Both residents and non-residents would be allowed to purchase up to an ounce of marijuana at a time. Only marijuana, not concentrates, would be legally sold at the state run shops.  The only 'altered' forms of marijuana that can legally be sold and possessed are infused edibles or liquid tinctures.  The benefit to this is debatable-- a ban on concentrate sales may mean that determined consumers will attempt to make their own at home in a process that can be dangerous if one does not know what they are doing. The rules would allow people to grow their own marijuana in greenhouses, but not in open fields.  The state does not plan to limit the number of growing licenses in an effort to include both small and large scale growers in the "seed-to-store" system.  There would also not be a limit on the number of licensed retail shops so that smaller businesses could be allowed as well as larger operations. Alison Holcomb, the main author of I-502, said that she is satisfied with the regulations she has seen proposed thus far.  She emphasized that Washington still has a long way to go and that the final program will likely differ greatly from this first round of proposed regulations.  "This is literally just a preview of where they are right now," she explained.  "And they're intentionally doing this to give the public an opportunity to provide meaningful input." Governor Jay Inslee expressed his satisfaction with the Liquor Control Board's progress.  He said, "I don't think you could design a system with much more integrity as far as tracking the product from the producer to the consumer.  I think this plan has a robust system of control and checks in a variety of ways." The state Liquor Control Board is expected to begin accepting license applications this fall. The Liquor Control Board's draft rules proposal can be read here. [Source]]]> The Liquor Control Board's release details the regulations for Washington's legal marijuana program, which was approved by voters last November.  New state run marijuana shops will be allowed to be open 7 days a week for up to 20 hours per day.  Both residents and non-residents would be allowed to purchase up to an ounce of marijuana at a time. Only marijuana, not concentrates, would be legally sold at the state run shops.  The only 'altered' forms of marijuana that can legally be sold and possessed are infused edibles or liquid tinctures.  The benefit to this is debatable-- a ban on concentrate sales may mean that determined consumers will attempt to make their own at home in a process that can be dangerous if one does not know what they are doing. The rules would allow people to grow their own marijuana in greenhouses, but not in open fields.  The state does not plan to limit the number of growing licenses in an effort to include both small and large scale growers in the "seed-to-store" system.  There would also not be a limit on the number of licensed retail shops so that smaller businesses could be allowed as well as larger operations. Alison Holcomb, the main author of I-502, said that she is satisfied with the regulations she has seen proposed thus far.  She emphasized that Washington still has a long way to go and that the final program will likely differ greatly from this first round of proposed regulations.  "This is literally just a preview of where they are right now," she explained.  "And they're intentionally doing this to give the public an opportunity to provide meaningful input." Governor Jay Inslee expressed his satisfaction with the Liquor Control Board's progress.  He said, "I don't think you could design a system with much more integrity as far as tracking the product from the producer to the consumer.  I think this plan has a robust system of control and checks in a variety of ways." The state Liquor Control Board is expected to begin accepting license applications this fall. The Liquor Control Board's draft rules proposal can be read here. [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-reveals-legal-marijuana-guidelines/feed/ 11 Marijuana to be Treated as “Lost and Found” Item in Seattle http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/marijuana-to-be-treated-as-lost-and-found-item-in-seattle/ http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/marijuana-to-be-treated-as-lost-and-found-item-in-seattle/#comments Sat, 11 May 2013 14:18:30 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4523 The most recent policy change has been implemented by Metro buses.  Bus drivers have been instructed to turn marijuana that they find on the bus in to lost and found.  In the past, any marijuana found on buses was turned in to police.  According to Metro spokesman Jeff Switzer, now any marijuana under one ounce will be turned in to lost and found instead. He explained, "People can't just come to lost and found and say 'I lost some pot.'  They will need to provide a lot more information before we reconnect them with that lost and found item." There are over 200 Metro bus routes.  People trying to claim marijuana from the lost and found will have to say what route they were on and when they lost their stash.  So far, no one has tried to reclaim marijuana from the Metro lost and found. According to Metro, each year over 40,000 items are turned in to their lost and found, with the most prominent item left behind being umbrellas. Metro bus drivers were alerted to the policy change earlier this week.   [Source]]]> The most recent policy change has been implemented by Metro buses.  Bus drivers have been instructed to turn marijuana that they find on the bus in to lost and found.  In the past, any marijuana found on buses was turned in to police.  According to Metro spokesman Jeff Switzer, now any marijuana under one ounce will be turned in to lost and found instead. He explained, "People can't just come to lost and found and say 'I lost some pot.'  They will need to provide a lot more information before we reconnect them with that lost and found item." There are over 200 Metro bus routes.  People trying to claim marijuana from the lost and found will have to say what route they were on and when they lost their stash.  So far, no one has tried to reclaim marijuana from the Metro lost and found. According to Metro, each year over 40,000 items are turned in to their lost and found, with the most prominent item left behind being umbrellas. Metro bus drivers were alerted to the policy change earlier this week.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/recreational-marijuana/marijuana-to-be-treated-as-lost-and-found-item-in-seattle/feed/ 3 Washington Narcotics Dogs Trained to Ignore Marijuana http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-narcotics-dogs-trained-to-ignore-marijuana/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-narcotics-dogs-trained-to-ignore-marijuana/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 13:30:19 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4507 The Washington State Patrol and tribal force departments are among the organizations that are retraining their veteran dogs and not including marijuana training for new K-9s that join the force. Marijuana has even been removed from police dog guidelines that are set by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. According to law enforcement officials, if the marijuana legalization law should ever change, it would not be difficult to retrain the K-9s to seek out marijuana. Of the shift in training, Washington State Patrol spokesman Bob Calkins explained, "It's problematic because the dogs could alert on a legal amount of marijuana and then we're violating someone's privacy." Additionally, now that marijuana is legal, if a dog uncovered a critical piece of evidence in a case because it was drawn to a legal amount of marijuana, that could cause the evidence to be thrown out in court.  For example, Calkins explained that if a dog finds a legal amount of marijuana and there is a gun that was used for a murder found with it, a judge might rules that the gun is inadmissible in court.   [Source]]]> The Washington State Patrol and tribal force departments are among the organizations that are retraining their veteran dogs and not including marijuana training for new K-9s that join the force. Marijuana has even been removed from police dog guidelines that are set by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. According to law enforcement officials, if the marijuana legalization law should ever change, it would not be difficult to retrain the K-9s to seek out marijuana. Of the shift in training, Washington State Patrol spokesman Bob Calkins explained, "It's problematic because the dogs could alert on a legal amount of marijuana and then we're violating someone's privacy." Additionally, now that marijuana is legal, if a dog uncovered a critical piece of evidence in a case because it was drawn to a legal amount of marijuana, that could cause the evidence to be thrown out in court.  For example, Calkins explained that if a dog finds a legal amount of marijuana and there is a gun that was used for a murder found with it, a judge might rules that the gun is inadmissible in court.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-narcotics-dogs-trained-to-ignore-marijuana/feed/ 3 Washington Judge Forces Police to Return Marijuana to Suspect http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-judge-forces-police-to-return-marijuana-to-suspect/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-judge-forces-police-to-return-marijuana-to-suspect/#comments Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:46:50 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4420 After the charges were dropped, Robertson asked for his marijuana back, and even showed that he was part of Washington's medical marijuana program.  The city of Tacoma refused to give him back his marijuana, so Robertson turned to the judge for help. On February 28th, Judge Jack Emery told Tacoma police that they must return the marijuana, but they refused.  On Thursday, Emery ordered police to return the marijuana to Robertson within the next seven days of risk being found in contempt of court. Emery told the assistant city attorney, "Appeal or comply.  Or next week, show up, and I would advise you to bring counsel." Emery said that the police are demonstrating "contemptuous behavior" but also acknowledged that the conflict between state and federal law make this case "a quagmire."   [Source]]]> After the charges were dropped, Robertson asked for his marijuana back, and even showed that he was part of Washington's medical marijuana program.  The city of Tacoma refused to give him back his marijuana, so Robertson turned to the judge for help. On February 28th, Judge Jack Emery told Tacoma police that they must return the marijuana, but they refused.  On Thursday, Emery ordered police to return the marijuana to Robertson within the next seven days of risk being found in contempt of court. Emery told the assistant city attorney, "Appeal or comply.  Or next week, show up, and I would advise you to bring counsel." Emery said that the police are demonstrating "contemptuous behavior" but also acknowledged that the conflict between state and federal law make this case "a quagmire."   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-judge-forces-police-to-return-marijuana-to-suspect/feed/ 4 Washington Officials Claiming Legal Marijuana Jeopardizes All Marijuana Prosecutions http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-officials-claiming-legal-marijuana-jeopardizes-all-marijuana-prosecutions/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-officials-claiming-legal-marijuana-jeopardizes-all-marijuana-prosecutions/#comments Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:19:40 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4400 The problem comes from the legal definition of marijuana.  The legalization law seeks to distinguish marijuana from industrial hemp, and defines marijuana as having more than .3 percent of delta-9 THC, a compound found in marijuana. However, crime lab experts are now arguing that even potent marijuana can have less than .3 percent delta-9 THC.  It's only when marijuana is heated that THC acid turns into delta-9 THC and the marijuana achieves its full level of potency. Erik Nielson, standards and accountability manager for the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab's Forensic Lab Services Bureau explained, "When you smoke it, it would be very potent, but before that, it would be considered hemp under the law." That means that if people were arrested for possession of over an ounce of marijuana, based on the state's legal definition, prosecutors may not even be able to prove that the person was in possession or marijuana rather than hemp.  While crime labs could test the delta-9 THC content by burning the marijuana, that would be considered tampering with evidence. Prosecutors are now suggesting that the Legislature approve legislation to change the legal definition of marijuana in Washington.  The measure, which was introduced Tuesday, would define marijuana as parts of the cannabis plant containing more than 0.3 percent by dry weight of combined delta-9 THC and THC acid. Under Washington state law, voter approved initiatives, such as I-502, cannot be amended for two years unless it is approved by a two-thirds vote in both houses.  However, this situation is less controversial.  Even I-502's original sponsor, Alison Holcomb, approves of the change. She said, "Obviously it was never the intent to make it impossible to be able to prosecute cases that fall outside of what I-502 intended." The bill is set to have a public hearing in a House committee Thursday.   [Source]]]> The problem comes from the legal definition of marijuana.  The legalization law seeks to distinguish marijuana from industrial hemp, and defines marijuana as having more than .3 percent of delta-9 THC, a compound found in marijuana. However, crime lab experts are now arguing that even potent marijuana can have less than .3 percent delta-9 THC.  It's only when marijuana is heated that THC acid turns into delta-9 THC and the marijuana achieves its full level of potency. Erik Nielson, standards and accountability manager for the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab's Forensic Lab Services Bureau explained, "When you smoke it, it would be very potent, but before that, it would be considered hemp under the law." That means that if people were arrested for possession of over an ounce of marijuana, based on the state's legal definition, prosecutors may not even be able to prove that the person was in possession or marijuana rather than hemp.  While crime labs could test the delta-9 THC content by burning the marijuana, that would be considered tampering with evidence. Prosecutors are now suggesting that the Legislature approve legislation to change the legal definition of marijuana in Washington.  The measure, which was introduced Tuesday, would define marijuana as parts of the cannabis plant containing more than 0.3 percent by dry weight of combined delta-9 THC and THC acid. Under Washington state law, voter approved initiatives, such as I-502, cannot be amended for two years unless it is approved by a two-thirds vote in both houses.  However, this situation is less controversial.  Even I-502's original sponsor, Alison Holcomb, approves of the change. She said, "Obviously it was never the intent to make it impossible to be able to prosecute cases that fall outside of what I-502 intended." The bill is set to have a public hearing in a House committee Thursday.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-officials-claiming-legal-marijuana-jeopardizes-all-marijuana-prosecutions/feed/ 5 Seattle Police Tell Marijuana Dealers to “Cease and Desist”, Give Them Back Their Marijuana http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/seattle-police-tell-marijuana-dealers-to-cease-and-desist-give-them-back-their-marijuana/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/seattle-police-tell-marijuana-dealers-to-cease-and-desist-give-them-back-their-marijuana/#comments Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:28:49 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4261 The department is describing the return of the marijuana as a "first time ever" event.  Their new approach demonstrates a willingness to work with the new law, and with those who would have been considered "marijuana criminals". An area known for its drug dealers, known as The Ave., was targeted by Seattle police during a six month operation intended to find the most notorious drug dealers on University Way NE.  The department began the investigation following numerous community complaints about drug dealers. Undercover officers went out in search of "hard" drugs and even handguns, but found that the majority of dealers were just selling marijuana.  What they are calling "in the spirit of I-502," the department sought a different approach other than criminal charges. Rather than arresting the dealers, officers handed out cease and desist letters to everyone dealing marijuana on The Ave.  The letters stated that if they were caught dealing on The Ave. in the future, they would be subject to criminal charges. Narcotics Lieutenant Mike Kebba explained, "Taking the admonishment approach may allow for these marijuana cases to be more favorably received in Superior Court. The offender will have been shown to have been warned about marijuana sales, and that they still returned, despite our attempt at gaining their cooperation. The admonishment letter is reasonable because we are not restricting their freedom to go anywhere. SPD will just be requiring them to comply with the law while in public places and refrain from drug dealing. This respects due process rights and does not circumvent the courts. This admonishment will hold them accountable no matter where they are in Seattle, not just the University District. This way we will not be simply displacing the problem elsewhere." Fifteen dealers were involved in this investigation.  Six were booked into jail-- two for possessing methamphetamine and three for other offenses.  Six were only selling marijuana and were released after receiving their cease and desist letters. Those six had a combined amount of 36.8 grams of marijuana.  Each individual owner had their marijuana returned to them because the amount that they possessed is legal under I-502. The Seattle Police Department intends to provide the admonishment letter to all marijuana dealers currently in custody as well as all of the other suspects from this investigation.   [Source]]]> The department is describing the return of the marijuana as a "first time ever" event.  Their new approach demonstrates a willingness to work with the new law, and with those who would have been considered "marijuana criminals". An area known for its drug dealers, known as The Ave., was targeted by Seattle police during a six month operation intended to find the most notorious drug dealers on University Way NE.  The department began the investigation following numerous community complaints about drug dealers. Undercover officers went out in search of "hard" drugs and even handguns, but found that the majority of dealers were just selling marijuana.  What they are calling "in the spirit of I-502," the department sought a different approach other than criminal charges. Rather than arresting the dealers, officers handed out cease and desist letters to everyone dealing marijuana on The Ave.  The letters stated that if they were caught dealing on The Ave. in the future, they would be subject to criminal charges. Narcotics Lieutenant Mike Kebba explained, "Taking the admonishment approach may allow for these marijuana cases to be more favorably received in Superior Court. The offender will have been shown to have been warned about marijuana sales, and that they still returned, despite our attempt at gaining their cooperation. The admonishment letter is reasonable because we are not restricting their freedom to go anywhere. SPD will just be requiring them to comply with the law while in public places and refrain from drug dealing. This respects due process rights and does not circumvent the courts. This admonishment will hold them accountable no matter where they are in Seattle, not just the University District. This way we will not be simply displacing the problem elsewhere." Fifteen dealers were involved in this investigation.  Six were booked into jail-- two for possessing methamphetamine and three for other offenses.  Six were only selling marijuana and were released after receiving their cease and desist letters. Those six had a combined amount of 36.8 grams of marijuana.  Each individual owner had their marijuana returned to them because the amount that they possessed is legal under I-502. The Seattle Police Department intends to provide the admonishment letter to all marijuana dealers currently in custody as well as all of the other suspects from this investigation.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/seattle-police-tell-marijuana-dealers-to-cease-and-desist-give-them-back-their-marijuana/feed/ 14 Washington Puts a Stop to Marijuana Smoking in Bars http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-puts-a-stop-to-marijuana-smoking-in-bars/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-puts-a-stop-to-marijuana-smoking-in-bars/#comments Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:36:18 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4234 The Liquor Control Board is cracking down on such establishments, as public consumption of marijuana is not legal under I-502.  Additionally, it is argued that marijuana smoke is treated like cigarette smoke-- neither should be allowed in public places such as restaurants or bars. In a statement released Wednesday, the board explained, "These licensed locations are allowing patrons to either smoke, vaporize or otherwise ingest marijuana on the premises." Board spokesman Brian Smith said that smoking marijuana in public is a civil infraction, punishable by a $103 fine on the customer.  While the punishment falls on the customer, he says it is the responsibility of the business owner to not encourage illegal activity.  There are currently at least two bars in Washington that allow pot smoking in private sections of their establishment. Frank Schnarr, owner of Frankie's Sports Bar & Grill in Olympia, was the first to set up a private room so patrons can smoke marijuana.  If any limitations are put on his business, Schnarr says he will challenge them in court.  "It got passed for recreational use," he explained.  "They should let it be smoked everywhere." Governor Jay Inslee does not agree with Schnarr's sentiments, however.  Inslee's spokesman David Postman explained, "The law is clear that marijuana cannot be consumed in public.  Allowing that would run counter to the state's commitment to responsible implementation and send just the wrong message."   [Source]]]> The Liquor Control Board is cracking down on such establishments, as public consumption of marijuana is not legal under I-502.  Additionally, it is argued that marijuana smoke is treated like cigarette smoke-- neither should be allowed in public places such as restaurants or bars. In a statement released Wednesday, the board explained, "These licensed locations are allowing patrons to either smoke, vaporize or otherwise ingest marijuana on the premises." Board spokesman Brian Smith said that smoking marijuana in public is a civil infraction, punishable by a $103 fine on the customer.  While the punishment falls on the customer, he says it is the responsibility of the business owner to not encourage illegal activity.  There are currently at least two bars in Washington that allow pot smoking in private sections of their establishment. Frank Schnarr, owner of Frankie's Sports Bar & Grill in Olympia, was the first to set up a private room so patrons can smoke marijuana.  If any limitations are put on his business, Schnarr says he will challenge them in court.  "It got passed for recreational use," he explained.  "They should let it be smoked everywhere." Governor Jay Inslee does not agree with Schnarr's sentiments, however.  Inslee's spokesman David Postman explained, "The law is clear that marijuana cannot be consumed in public.  Allowing that would run counter to the state's commitment to responsible implementation and send just the wrong message."   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-puts-a-stop-to-marijuana-smoking-in-bars/feed/ 3 Analysts Estimate Legal Marijuana Could Bring Billions in Revenue http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/analysts-estimate-legal-marijuana-could-bring-billions-in-revenue/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/analysts-estimate-legal-marijuana-could-bring-billions-in-revenue/#comments Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:26:17 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4175 Colorado Representative Jared Polis told the press, "I've seen some estimates in the high tens of millions, as much as $100 million for Colorado."  He continued to explained that the money could put a "substantial dent in needed school improvements, particularly in poorer districts." It is predicted that California could see more significant revenues, due to the state's population.  California NORML Director Dale Gieringer said that legalizing marijuana could bring $1.2 billion in California from tax revenues alone. The industry as a whole could bring between $12 billion and $18 billion of new business activity in California, he estimated.   [Source]]]> Colorado Representative Jared Polis told the press, "I've seen some estimates in the high tens of millions, as much as $100 million for Colorado."  He continued to explained that the money could put a "substantial dent in needed school improvements, particularly in poorer districts." It is predicted that California could see more significant revenues, due to the state's population.  California NORML Director Dale Gieringer said that legalizing marijuana could bring $1.2 billion in California from tax revenues alone. The industry as a whole could bring between $12 billion and $18 billion of new business activity in California, he estimated.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/analysts-estimate-legal-marijuana-could-bring-billions-in-revenue/feed/ 2 Washington Kills House Bill to Eliminate Marijuana Misdemeanors http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-kills-house-bill-to-eliminate-marijuana-misdemeanors/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-kills-house-bill-to-eliminate-marijuana-misdemeanors/#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:29:42 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4168 Washington State House Bill 1661 never made it to the House floor for a vote.  It would have allowed adults who were convicted of a marijuana misdemeanor before I-502 passed to apply to a sentencing court to have their charges cleared. When marijuana became legal in Washington, many prosecutors waived misdemeanor charges people had incurred before legalization. The bill's sponsor, Representative Joe Fitzgibbon, said this was a courageous thing to do and the correct decision, knowing the voters of Washington did not believe possession of small amounts should be a crime. However, Fitzgibbon was not able to get the needed support to push the bill through.  He says he will try again next year, and will add the stipulation that crimes must have involved possession of 28 grams of marijuana or less, which is the amount of marijuana that is now legal in Washington. Fitzgibbon hopes Washington State House Bill 1661 will one day help the people of Washington state who have misdemeanor marijuana convictions on their records. “They should have a chance to wipe the slate clean,” he said. It is unclear just how many people could have been helped by House Bill 1661.  But, since 2008, 19,367 misdemeanor marijuana convictions occurred in Washington, Fitzgibbon reported in a February 20 hearing before the House Public Safety Committee. Of those misdemeanors, 1,828 were the only charges those people faced.  So, potentially, almost 2,000 people could have been helped by the bill.   [Source]]]> Washington State House Bill 1661 never made it to the House floor for a vote.  It would have allowed adults who were convicted of a marijuana misdemeanor before I-502 passed to apply to a sentencing court to have their charges cleared. When marijuana became legal in Washington, many prosecutors waived misdemeanor charges people had incurred before legalization. The bill's sponsor, Representative Joe Fitzgibbon, said this was a courageous thing to do and the correct decision, knowing the voters of Washington did not believe possession of small amounts should be a crime. However, Fitzgibbon was not able to get the needed support to push the bill through.  He says he will try again next year, and will add the stipulation that crimes must have involved possession of 28 grams of marijuana or less, which is the amount of marijuana that is now legal in Washington. Fitzgibbon hopes Washington State House Bill 1661 will one day help the people of Washington state who have misdemeanor marijuana convictions on their records. “They should have a chance to wipe the slate clean,” he said. It is unclear just how many people could have been helped by House Bill 1661.  But, since 2008, 19,367 misdemeanor marijuana convictions occurred in Washington, Fitzgibbon reported in a February 20 hearing before the House Public Safety Committee. Of those misdemeanors, 1,828 were the only charges those people faced.  So, potentially, almost 2,000 people could have been helped by the bill.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-kills-house-bill-to-eliminate-marijuana-misdemeanors/feed/ 1 Washington Names Legal Marijuana Consultant http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-names-legal-marijuana-consultant/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-names-legal-marijuana-consultant/#comments Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:53:26 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4114 Botec is a Massachusetts-based think-tank that specialized in drug policy and crime.   The firm beat out 112 other applicants who were vying for the position. The Washington Liquor Control Board has until December to set up a system of taxed and regulated marijuana growing, distribution, and sales.  Botec will be instrumental in that process. The firm's CEO Mark Klieman will supervise a 30-member team and will bill the state $300 per hour, according to the Liquor Control Board.  The initial budget for the project is $100,000. Kleiman teaches public policy at UCLA and has written a book about marijuana legalization called "Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know".  His team of subcontractors includes RANK Corporation, another policy think tank, as well as Steep Hill Labs, a California-based marijuana testing facility. The terms of the agreement between Botec and the Liquor Control Board are still being negotiated.  They will be finalized after a short period of time, during which other applicants can challenge the Liquor Control Board's decision.   [Source]]]> Botec is a Massachusetts-based think-tank that specialized in drug policy and crime.   The firm beat out 112 other applicants who were vying for the position. The Washington Liquor Control Board has until December to set up a system of taxed and regulated marijuana growing, distribution, and sales.  Botec will be instrumental in that process. The firm's CEO Mark Klieman will supervise a 30-member team and will bill the state $300 per hour, according to the Liquor Control Board.  The initial budget for the project is $100,000. Kleiman teaches public policy at UCLA and has written a book about marijuana legalization called "Marijuana Legalization: What Everyone Needs to Know".  His team of subcontractors includes RANK Corporation, another policy think tank, as well as Steep Hill Labs, a California-based marijuana testing facility. The terms of the agreement between Botec and the Liquor Control Board are still being negotiated.  They will be finalized after a short period of time, during which other applicants can challenge the Liquor Control Board's decision.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-names-legal-marijuana-consultant/feed/ 2 Washington Lawmaker Wants to Make Changes to I-502 http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-lawmaker-wants-to-make-changes-to-i-502/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-lawmaker-wants-to-make-changes-to-i-502/#comments Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:32:32 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4060 Hurst's bill focuses primarily on finances.  He has argued that Washington will be leaving "money on the table" unless it increases the fees required to receive a license to grow, distribute, or sell marijuana. The bill would create a new certificate to be issue by the Liquor Control Board before those licenses are issued.  Currently, I-502 charges those interested in growing, distributing, or selling marijuana a one time $250 application fee and a $1,000 annual renewal fee. The certificate would allow the Liquor Control Board to set the fees themselves. Hurst feels as though the current figures are far too low.  Not only would they keep Washington from reaping more potential revenue, they would also allow for almost anyone to vie for a spot in the system, which could lead to over-saturation. Additionally, the bill would allow marijuana businesses to be closer to parks and schools than initially intended.  The law says that marijuana businesses must be 1,000 feet from day cares, schools, and parks, but Hurst wants to lower that restriction to only 500 feet.   [Source]]]> Hurst's bill focuses primarily on finances.  He has argued that Washington will be leaving "money on the table" unless it increases the fees required to receive a license to grow, distribute, or sell marijuana. The bill would create a new certificate to be issue by the Liquor Control Board before those licenses are issued.  Currently, I-502 charges those interested in growing, distributing, or selling marijuana a one time $250 application fee and a $1,000 annual renewal fee. The certificate would allow the Liquor Control Board to set the fees themselves. Hurst feels as though the current figures are far too low.  Not only would they keep Washington from reaping more potential revenue, they would also allow for almost anyone to vie for a spot in the system, which could lead to over-saturation. Additionally, the bill would allow marijuana businesses to be closer to parks and schools than initially intended.  The law says that marijuana businesses must be 1,000 feet from day cares, schools, and parks, but Hurst wants to lower that restriction to only 500 feet.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washington-lawmaker-wants-to-make-changes-to-i-502/feed/ 1 Washington’s Liquor Control Board Postpones Announcement of Marijuana Consultants http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washingtons-liquor-control-board-postpones-announcement-of-marijuana-consultants/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washingtons-liquor-control-board-postpones-announcement-of-marijuana-consultants/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:01:18 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4008 The board had initially planned to announce the selected consultants on Tuesday, but have now postponed that decision.  They claim it is because they have been inundated with more proposals than they had anticipated. 112 proposals were received by the board, and 98 of them were deemed to meet the minimum requirements to be considered.  The proposals consist of a number of essays addressing potential consultants' qualifications and understanding of issues ranging from marijuana cultivation and distribution to legal matters. The board has now pushed the announcement back one week, to March 13th.  According to board spokesman Mikhail Carpenter, the board could postpone again, depending on a number of factors.   [Source]]]> The board had initially planned to announce the selected consultants on Tuesday, but have now postponed that decision.  They claim it is because they have been inundated with more proposals than they had anticipated. 112 proposals were received by the board, and 98 of them were deemed to meet the minimum requirements to be considered.  The proposals consist of a number of essays addressing potential consultants' qualifications and understanding of issues ranging from marijuana cultivation and distribution to legal matters. The board has now pushed the announcement back one week, to March 13th.  According to board spokesman Mikhail Carpenter, the board could postpone again, depending on a number of factors.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/washingtons-liquor-control-board-postpones-announcement-of-marijuana-consultants/feed/ 2 Former DEA Heads Encourage Obama to Put an End to Legal Marijuana http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/former-dea-heads-encourage-obama-to-put-an-end-to-legal-marijuana/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/former-dea-heads-encourage-obama-to-put-an-end-to-legal-marijuana/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:53:51 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=4004 Eight former DEA chiefs have issued a joint statement encouraging the Obama administration to nullify Colorado's Amendment 64 and Washington's I-502, both of which legalize the use, purchase, and possession of marijuana by individuals age 21 and older. The former chiefs involved include Robert Bonner, Thomas Constantine, John Bartels, Francis  Mullen, Asa Hutchinson, Peter Besinger, John Lawn, and Donnie Marshall.  They issued the statement through Save Our Society From Drugs, a national group that is lobbying against marijuana legalization. The statement suggested that the Obama administration has waited too long to take action on the legalized marijuana programs.  The former DEA heads believe the appropriate action is to immediately sue the states to force them to stop the legalization programs from being implemented. While these two states have opted to legalize marijuana, some of the former DEA chiefs believe that marijuana's illegal status under federal law is non-negotiable.  Peter Besinger explained, "If they don't act now, these laws will be fully implemented in a matter of months.  It's a no-brainer.  It is outrageous that a lawsuit hasn't been filed in federal court yet." The DEA has been reviewing both legal marijuana programs since they were passed, and US Attorney General Eric Holder recently told Washington and Colorado that an answer on the matter would be coming "soon." Holder is scheduled to appear before a US Senate judiciary committee hearing on Wednesday.  The former DEA chiefs are pushing senators to question Holder on marijuana legalization.   [Source]]]> Eight former DEA chiefs have issued a joint statement encouraging the Obama administration to nullify Colorado's Amendment 64 and Washington's I-502, both of which legalize the use, purchase, and possession of marijuana by individuals age 21 and older. The former chiefs involved include Robert Bonner, Thomas Constantine, John Bartels, Francis  Mullen, Asa Hutchinson, Peter Besinger, John Lawn, and Donnie Marshall.  They issued the statement through Save Our Society From Drugs, a national group that is lobbying against marijuana legalization. The statement suggested that the Obama administration has waited too long to take action on the legalized marijuana programs.  The former DEA heads believe the appropriate action is to immediately sue the states to force them to stop the legalization programs from being implemented. While these two states have opted to legalize marijuana, some of the former DEA chiefs believe that marijuana's illegal status under federal law is non-negotiable.  Peter Besinger explained, "If they don't act now, these laws will be fully implemented in a matter of months.  It's a no-brainer.  It is outrageous that a lawsuit hasn't been filed in federal court yet." The DEA has been reviewing both legal marijuana programs since they were passed, and US Attorney General Eric Holder recently told Washington and Colorado that an answer on the matter would be coming "soon." Holder is scheduled to appear before a US Senate judiciary committee hearing on Wednesday.  The former DEA chiefs are pushing senators to question Holder on marijuana legalization.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/former-dea-heads-encourage-obama-to-put-an-end-to-legal-marijuana/feed/ 18 Washington Judge Tells Police to Return Seized Marijuana http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/washington-judge-tells-police-to-return-seized-marijuana/ http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/washington-judge-tells-police-to-return-seized-marijuana/#comments Sat, 02 Mar 2013 14:58:24 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3992 Police initially seized Robertson's marijuana last May when he was pulled over for speeding.  Police searched his car after smelling marijuana and seized a small amount from him. Robertson is a designated medical marijuana caregiver, and should  have been allowed by police to keep up to 40 grams of marijuana under the state's medical marijuana law.  The amount seized was much less than that. Robertson's possession charges were dropped in December after Washington legalized marijuana.  However, the city refused to give it back, so he took the case to court. Lucky for Robertson, Judge Emery was on his side.  Emery's ruling could have set a precedent that could help other individuals when their marijuana is wrongly seized by police. “I feel great,” Robertson told the News Tribune outside the court Thursday. “You’ve got to stand up for people’s rights sometimes.” ]]> Police initially seized Robertson's marijuana last May when he was pulled over for speeding.  Police searched his car after smelling marijuana and seized a small amount from him. Robertson is a designated medical marijuana caregiver, and should  have been allowed by police to keep up to 40 grams of marijuana under the state's medical marijuana law.  The amount seized was much less than that. Robertson's possession charges were dropped in December after Washington legalized marijuana.  However, the city refused to give it back, so he took the case to court. Lucky for Robertson, Judge Emery was on his side.  Emery's ruling could have set a precedent that could help other individuals when their marijuana is wrongly seized by police. “I feel great,” Robertson told the News Tribune outside the court Thursday. “You’ve got to stand up for people’s rights sometimes.” ]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/medical-marijuana/washington-judge-tells-police-to-return-seized-marijuana/feed/ 4 Attorney General Eric Holder Says Verdict on Legal Marijuana Coming ‘Soon’ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/attorney-general-eric-holder-says-verdict-on-legal-marijuana-coming-soon/ http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/attorney-general-eric-holder-says-verdict-on-legal-marijuana-coming-soon/#comments Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:33:20 +0000 lucy http://news.nuggetry.com/?p=3961 At the National Association of Attorney General annual conference on Tuesday, Attorney General Eric Holder told Washington and Colorado state attorneys general that an answer on how the Justice Department will handle legalized marijuana will be coming "soon". He stated, "We're in the last stages of that review and we're trying to make a determination as to what the policy ramifications are going to be, what our international obligations are -- there are a whole variety of things that go into this determination -- but the people of [Colorado] and Washington deserve an answer and you will have one soon." Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Washington Governor Jay Inslee have both met with Attorney General Holder and both told the press that they felt encouraged to move forward with implementing legal marijuana programs in their respective states based on the feedback they received.   [Source]]]> At the National Association of Attorney General annual conference on Tuesday, Attorney General Eric Holder told Washington and Colorado state attorneys general that an answer on how the Justice Department will handle legalized marijuana will be coming "soon". He stated, "We're in the last stages of that review and we're trying to make a determination as to what the policy ramifications are going to be, what our international obligations are -- there are a whole variety of things that go into this determination -- but the people of [Colorado] and Washington deserve an answer and you will have one soon." Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Washington Governor Jay Inslee have both met with Attorney General Holder and both told the press that they felt encouraged to move forward with implementing legal marijuana programs in their respective states based on the feedback they received.   [Source]]]> http://news.nuggetry.com/marijuana-legalization/attorney-general-eric-holder-says-verdict-on-legal-marijuana-coming-soon/feed/ 10