While Washitonians are fortunate to able to enjoy recreational marijuana purchased at regulated stores, we’re still walking on thin ice when it comes to legality. State Initiative 502 legalized recreational marijuana for the state of Washington, but as far as the Federal Government is concerned, we’re all still criminals. The Fed maintains the ability to trump State laws and has made it very clear that if federal authorities find repeated violations, they will block the states marijuana laws. For this reason, we must always use marijuana responsibly; we are all ambassadors for our culture and for the movement towards full Federal legalization. The rest of the Nation and much of the world is watching us, lets set a good example.
The following info was taken from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board’s website:
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
[Federal Government
What is the federal government going to do?
On August 29, 2013 Attorney General Eric Holder called both Governors Jay Inslee and John Hickenlooper (Colorado) to outline the federal government’s guidance on legalized marijuana. That guidance was also outlined in a memo which focuses on eight points of federal emphasis such as youth access and public safety which the LCB’s rules address. The regulatory system for marijuana, and the rules written by the Board appears to meet those eight points. The memo does not change federal law. Governor Inslee’s office is maintaining an open dialogue with the federal government and the WSLCB is moving forward to carry out the expectations of the agency under the new law.
Since marijuana is legal in Washington can the federal government still prosecute me?
Yes. Washington’s system of legalized marijuana does not preempt federal law. Presently Washington State residents involved in marijuana production /retailing could still be subject to prosecution if the federal government chooses to do so.
Can the federal government confiscate my assets?
Yes. Confiscation of assets is one of the enforcement tactics available to federal authorities.
What about industrial hemp? Does this create a new market for hemp products?
No. The law is focused on legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. The law modifies the definition of “marijuana” to include only cannabis greater than 0.3 percent THC concentration. Cannabis under this limit – industrial hemp – is not treated as recreational “marijuana.”]
