marijuana law – NWSidebar

WA Legislature Special Session: A History of Drug Possession Law Following State v. Blake

In the evening of sine die of the 2023 session, April 23, the “Blake Bill”—the E2SSB 5536 conference committee proposal for replacing the expiring criminal provisions of ESB 5476 (2021)—was brought to the floor of the House and failed, an unexpected result. Much media attention has been paid to the apparent political snafu, but less attention has been paid to the history, evidence, policy options, and principles that underlay the votes taken that evening.

Gov. Jay Inslee has announced his intent to convene a special session to address this legislation, beginning May 16. Washington’s legal community has an immediate opportunity to express individual opinions to Washington’s elected decision makers about whether, and to what extent, use of criminal sanctions against people solely for drug use is consistent with the values and vision of Washington’s and the United States’ promises of justice for all.

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Coronavirus and Cannabis: How the Essentialness of Marijuana Varies State by State

The coronavirus crisis has and will continue to cause massive cultural and economic disruptions. As Americans are being asked—and, in some cases, required—to stay indoors and venture into public spaces only for essential products and services, consumer needs and behaviors, as well as the way companies provide such products and services, are changing rapidly.

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New Marijuana-Related Amendments to Rules of Professional Conduct

After voters approved Initiative 502 in November 2012 permitting and regulating “recreational” marijuana, questions immediately arose regarding the extent to which lawyers could advise and assist clients in state-authorized marijuana businesses. Washington RPC 1.2(d), like its ABA Model Rule counterpart, generally permits lawyers to advise clients on the legality of proposed conduct but prohibits lawyers […]

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The Sun Is (Finally) Out and so Is the Summer Issue of NWLawyer!

Marijuana’s illegal status under federal law means no bankruptcy protection for these businesses. In the July/August NWLawyer, read how Washington’s first marijuana receivership was able to reach a successful conclusion thanks to an alternative procedure provided by Washington law.

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4 Important Changes to Washington DUI Laws

With House Bill 2700 going into effect on June 9, 2016, it is important to keep DUI clients informed on sentencing and licensing changes. Here are four updates to DUI laws that your clients may need to know.

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5 Things to Consider Before Starting a Marijuana Practice

In November 2012, Washingtonians voted in favor of Initiative 502 (I-502), which legalized the possession of certain amounts of marijuana by adults 21 and older. I-502 also legalized the commercial cultivation, manufacture, and retail sale of marijuana. While I-502 created a legal marijuana economy in Washington, it had no effect on the federal Controlled Substances […]

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Immigration and the Legalization of Marijuana

Immigration and marijuana don’t mix well. U.S. immigration law is strict regarding narcotics, and there is a long history of federal cases related to marijuana use.