Washington state lawmakers weigh legalizing home cannabis grows
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While pot is legal in Washington, it remains a felony to grow it at home for personal use. Photo: Emmanuele Contini/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Growing recreational cannabis at home is illegal in Washington state — but lawmakers in Olympia are considering a bill this year to legalize it.
The big picture: Of the 24 states that have legalized recreational cannabis, only four — including Washington — ban home growing for nonmedical use, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.
Zoom in: Senate Bill 6204 would allow adults over 21 to grow up to six cannabis plants per person, with a limit of 15 plants per household.
- The legislation advanced out of a state Senate committee last week, clearing a key cutoff deadline.
Catch up quick: Washington led the way on cannabis legalization in 2012, becoming one of the first two states — along with Colorado — to approve recreational sales.
- But unlike in Colorado, Washington's legalization measure didn't allow home cultivation.
What they're saying: Growing pot for personal use remains a class C felony in Washington — "a fairly excessive penalty," said state Rep. Shelley Kloba (D-Kirkland), who has worked on legislation to legalize home grows for several years.
- "I think it's one piece of the war on drugs that we have left in place," Kloba told Axios.
The other side: Some critics say the bill could increase youth access to cannabis, which remains illegal for those under 21.
- "We are concerned about the continued normalization of marijuana to our young people," James McMahan, lobbyist for the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, testified at a public hearing last month.
- Others said the measure could burden local police, who would be charged with enforcing the law's limits on odors and number of plants.
Zoom in: Under Senate Bill 6204, people could receive a $50 ticket if homegrown plants are publicly visible or the odor drifts onto another person's property.
- Home growing of cannabis would not be allowed in homes that serve as day cares or foster homes.
- Kloba, who sponsored the House version of the measure, said she thinks those added provisions may help the bill gain more support this year.
- The version that cleared committee also would allow cities to enact local bans on home grows in residential areas.
What's next: The bill faces a Feb. 17 deadline to pass off the Senate floor or it will be considered dead for this year's legislative session.
- The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn March 12.
