Washington Bill Would Alter Marijuana Penalties, Allow Sharing

(WeedBlog) The measure, House Bill 1065, received a public hearing last week in the House Committee on Commerce & Gaming; a majority of those speaking spoke in favor of the measure. Filed by Representative Steve Kirby with cosponsor Representative Mia Gregerson, the proposal would make several positive changes, such as reducing the penalty associated with possessing over the legal one ounce limit. It would also allow those 21 and older to share up to a half an ounce with others who are 21 and older, which is currently a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. However, it also make the regressive and pointless change of requiring those in possession of cannabis concentrates to prove that they purchased it from a licensed cannabis retail outlet; if they can’t prove it, they will be charged with a civil infraction if up to seven grams, a misdemeanor if seven to 14 grams, or a felony if over 14 grams. Click here for the full text of the measure; the link also includes the official legislative digest and analysis.