WHEN DID RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA SALES BEGIN

Recreational marijuana sales to the public began on July 8, 2014. I-502 was passed as part of a statewide ballot initiative in November 2012. Certification for licensed growers and producers began December 6, 2012.

CAN I STILL BE DRUG TESTED NOW THAT MARIJUANA IS LEGAL IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

Employers may still conduct drug testing at their discretion and current challenges to legality surrounding those decisions is still being played out. Private organizations such as the NBA and the NFL have reinforced previous restrictions against employees using cannabis in light of legalization in Washington and Colorado and intend to continue testing for it.

CAN I STILL BE PROSECUTED UNDER FEDERAL LAW FOR CANNABIS USE

Yes, but in 2013 U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder contacted both Governors Jay Inslee and John Hickenlooper of Colorado to discuss the federal government’s oversight on this issue in both Washington and Colorado. Most of the emphasis of these discussions focused around youth access and public safety, but did not indicate any coming changes to federal law regarding recreational marijuana. However, many activists and industry leaders expect federal laws to change as more states vote in favor of legalization.

CAN I OPERATE A VEHICLE AFTER USING RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA

No, I-502 strictly states that anyone testing for delta-9 THC levels at or greater to 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood are in violation of the state’s DUI laws.

HOW MUCH MARIJUANA CAN I LEGALLY POSSES UNDER I-502

Consumers may legally possess:

  • 1 ounce of marijuana
  • 16 ounces of solid infused marijuana products
  • 72 ounces of liquid infused products
  • 7 grams of concentrates

CAN NON-RESIDENTS PURCHASE MARIJUANA

Yes, but those products can only be consumed within the State of Washington and may not be transported to another state or country.