The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is getting ready to clear the cloud around people's choice of recreational use of marijuana and as the day of decriminalization draws near, the police department has come up with a guide that would answer the questions about the now lawful practice.
"Marijuana legalization creates some challenges for the Seattle Police Department, but SPD is already working to respond to these issues head on, by doing things like reviewing SPD's hiring practices for police officers to address now-legal marijuana usage by prospective officers, as well as current employees," an official post on the SPD website said.
Washington state voters passed Initiative 502 with a 55 percent majority on the Election Day by which they have agreed to legalize the use of recreational marijuana from Dec. 6. As per the new rule, Washington state residents can possess up to an ounce of pot or 16 ounces of solid marijuana-infused product, like cookies, or 72 ounces of infused liquid, like oil for personal use. In a detailed post titled "Marijwhatnow? A Guide to Legal Marijuana Use In Seattle," the police department exhibits a redefined attitude with which it attempts to answer all the possible concerns of a marijuana user after the legalization.
According to the federal law, use of marijuana is a crime and it clashes with the new state law. However, the guide said that although the SPD officers have pledged to uphold both federal and state laws, they will no longer make arrests for marijuana possession as defined under I-502. However, the post written by Jonah Spangenthal-Lee said that, "In the In the meantime, the Seattle Police Department will continue to enforce laws against unlicensed sale or production of marijuana, and regulations against driving under the influence of marijuana, which remain illegal."
Some of the Questions and the SPD Answers:
Can I legally carry around an ounce of marijuana?
According to the recently passed initiative, beginning December 6th, adults over the age of 21 will be able to carry up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use. Please note that the initiative says it "is unlawful to open a package containing marijuana...in view of the general public," so there's that. Also, you probably shouldn't bring pot with you to the federal courthouse (or any other federal property).
Well, where can I legally buy pot, then?
The Washington State Liquor Control Board is working to establish guidelines for the sale and distribution of marijuana. The WSLCB has until December 1, 2013 to finalize those rules. In the meantime, production and distribution of non-medical marijuana remains illegal.
Can I grow marijuana in my home and sell it to my friends, family, and co-workers?
Not right now. In the future, under state law, you may be able to get a license to grow or sell marijuana.
Will police officers be able to smoke marijuana?
As of right now, no. This is still a very complicated issue.
© 2025 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
