Washington: Those Under 21 Can No Longer Participate in Medical Cannabis Collective Gardens
In April, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5052 into law, despite statewide protest from patient advocates. The majority of this measure, including the portion that shuts down medical cannabis dispensaries and the provision that drastically reduces the amount of cannabis patients can possess and cultivate, doesn’t go into effect until July 1st, 2016. However, some parts of the law, including a section prohibiting those under 21 from participating in collective gardens, went into immediate effect.
Section 32 of SB 5052 clearly states that no one under 21 may participate in a collective garden, regardless of whether or not they’re a qualified patient. A designated provider is authorized to purchase cannabis for those under 21, but the patient is not allowed to enter the facility themselves.
Section 33 of SB 5052 allows the state’s Liquor Control Board to do controlled purchases (sting operations) at collective gardens to see if they are allowing those under 21 to participate. This section makes it a misdemeanor for those under 21 who do participate in a collective garden.
The full text of Senate Bill 5052 can be found by clicking here (line-item vetoes made by the governor can be found here).
– TheJointBlog
David M
State Legalization =medical patient prohibition. Americans are terrible at governance. One example being assigning implementation for State marijuana policy. The problem that is becoming clear is the very people tasked to do so by the WA. State, never advocated for it. These are mainly law-enforcement types who hate marijuana, actually believe building more prisons is the answer and have wanted to destroy marijuana from the day in 1998 that medical was approved by a majority of Washington’s voter’s. Sad.
David M
State Legalization =medical patient prohibition. Americans are terrible at governance. One example being assigning implementation for State marijuana policy. The problem that is becoming clear is the very people tasked to do so by the WA. State, never advocated for it. These are mainly law-enforcement types who hate marijuana, actually believe building more prisons is the answer and have wanted to destroy marijuana from the day in 1998 that medical was approved by a majority of Washington’s voter’s. Sad.
Kylah
So, what happens in regards to those that are employed by medical marijuana dispensaries that are under 21? I’m confused, does this mean I can’t legally step foot inside my workplace?
Kevin
That is correct. You are not legally allowed to participate in, or work at a medical cannabis collective.
brandon Johnson
In Initiative 5052 it says quote “patients who are between ages 18 and 21 may enter medical marijuana retail outlets”
zach trevors
You didnt read the whole thing. patients who are between ages 18 and 21 may enter medical marijuana retail outlets with a DESIGNATED CARE PROVIDER. a designated care provider that must sign up to be in the heatlh department database for cannabis patients, which doesnt exist yet and wont for another year. so basically everyone under 21 is stuck in limbo for a year
Rich
I was denied at a medical shop today that i had frequented in the past. its truly messed up. they said i need someone 21 and up to go in and buy it……… like they know exactly what i need and can smell what I want
zach trevors
im right here with you man. the staff at my dispensary were like family to me, and i was turned away so quick it was like they treated me as a stranger. i didnt mind the fact the had to enforce the new laws, but at least be respectful of your patients