If you have plans to visit Washington any time soon, you might have already heard that the state has declared cannabis to legal within their jurisdiction. So, aside from the state’s key tourist spots, you can also enjoy cannabis tourism. Are you interested to know more and if you can buy marijuana seeds in Washington state? Read more so you can better-equip yourself in your travels soon.
1.) The Law in Washington
Washington State’s Initiative 502 or I-502 decriminalizing recreational use of marijuana was approved into law in November 2012. This law allows a licensed and system regulation for cannabis distribution and production, the same to Washington’s control on liquor. However, federal law is not preempted by I-502. Under US federal law, production, sale, distribution, possession, and marijuana use can still be prosecuted.
2.) Buying Legally in Dispensaries and Retail Stores
There are a number of licensed retail cannabis shops that are now operational for business, with more coming every few months. These stores are purely for marijuana and related products only and will not carry anything else for sale. Also, trying samples and consuming the goods is not allowable within the premises.
Liquor & convenience stores, supermarkets, or any other type of retail establishment are not be authorized to add cannabis products in their inventories.
If you are searching for a dispensary to visit, there are weed store finder apps that you can try, or you can consult the WS Liquor Control Board’s official list of Issued Retail Licenses. This list contains all the information available for all cannabis applicants, including the owner of business names, business addresses, and phone numbers for every active and pending retail store.
3.) Where You Can Smoke
After you have bought your cannabis stash, you will now be able to enjoy the liberty of consuming them. There is a very little number of places where you can legally smoke in the State of Washington, despite the legalization of buying, possessing, and using. State and city laws do not allow the use in the public view, so the best option will be to smoke in a private property.
What this means is that you have to be in someone else’s private property and have permission to smoke. But, if you are in a hotel that allows smoking in the rooms, you are free to smoke there legally.
4.) How Much You Can Legally Purchase
All 21 years of age or older in the State of Washington, you will not undergo prosecution under the State Law for the possession and/or use of:
- 1 oz of usable cannabis
- Marijuana-related paraphernalia
- 16 oz of solid cannabis-infused product
- 72 oz of liquid cannabis-infused product
- 7 grams of marijuana concentrate
5.) Legal Terminology on Usable and Cannabis-Infused Products
In terms of cannabis products as interpreted in I-502, remember that “marijuana-infused product”, “usable marijuana”, and “marijuana concentrate” are all different and separate things.
- Usable marijuana – refers to the dried cannabis flowers.
- Vaporizers – also referred to as vapor inhalers and vape pens are popular smokeless ways of consuming cannabis but still require usable marijuana.
- Marijuana-infused products – can be solid or liquid; products that contain cannabis and its extracts and are for human use. This includes everything that you eat or drink, including baked goods, candies, or sodas.
6.) Cannabis Tourism: Vacation Packages
Because of easier access to cannabis and cannabis-related products, declaring Washington State as a more popular tourist destination. Several companies now offer vacation packages that feature cannabis-friendly accommodations and cannabis tours. There are cannabis dispensary tours that include weed-friendly lodging providers around Seattle and other places in Washington State. There are also events like Hempfest that celebrates all marijuana-related products and goodies.
7.) What Remains Illegal in Washington State
Even after the law was finalized, there are still prohibitions and regulations that people must observe. Even as visitors, here are some things that you should be aware of:
- Cannabis possession above the allowable limits
- Cannabis possession of anyone below 21 years old
- Consuming in public, including the opening of a cannabis-infused product
- Transporting cannabis-related products to another state
- Driving vehicles while under the influence of cannabis
- Production and sale of cannabis products without licenses
Anyone who is currently visiting the state must never forget that since cannabis use and possession is very much illegal under US Federal Law, they should refrain from the use and possession when in national parks, national forests, and public lakes. Some cities might also have specific restrictions on cannabis establishments within their boundaries.
8.) The Culture of Legal Cannabis in Washington
To look at it quite frankly, you have to admit that the legalization of recreational cannabis is a social experiment. Working out details over time.
Fortunately, there are resources currently being published by many government offices like the Seattle Police Department’s practical guide. After the legalization, many establishments focused on cannabis retail are also booming throughout the state. Details on business permits and requirements are also found in the Washington State Liquor Control Board website.
9.) Medical Cannabis in Washington State
Medical cannabis is still very much researched and studied in Washington State law, which is regulated by the Washington State Department of Health. Like many other states that have legalized medical marijuana and its recreational counterparts, the government officials are still attempting to consolidate the policies which apply to each variation. However, good news for medical cannabis patients, the strains that they need for health concerns are typically available in the recreational dispensaries as well.
10.) How Can You Sell Your Own Cannabis
Only licensed cannabis retailers are legal to sell within the state. In order to obtain a license, potential retailers must pay an application fee worth $200, plus an annual business renewal fee of $1,000. The entire application process can take several weeks because of the number of steps.
Anyone who engages in selling cannabis products without a business license can face up to 5 years in prison and pay a $10,000 fine.
Now that you have added to your cannabis know-how, you can now buy marijuana seeds in Washington State, as well as enjoy the readily available cannabis products.
