NORML Weighs In For Personal Cultivation Rights In Washington State

cropsOn Wednesday, NORML and Washington NORML both submitted public comment to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) in support of the regulatory body drafting model legislation to allow the lawful home cultivation of marijuana for personal use.

You can review the comprehensive assessment and recommendations made by Washington NORML’s Legislative Associate Bailey Hirschburg and Executive Director Kevin Oliver by clicking HERE.

NORML Board Member and Travel Writer Rick Steves submitted:

The ending of a wrong-minded prohibition happens incrementally. Home-brewing of beer was not immediately on the docket as states made alcohol legal again with the repeal of Prohibition back in the 1930s. It eventually became clear that “home brewing” was a logical extension of the progress made on that issue and today we have the right to home brew as part of the rights afforded to adults that allow them to engage in responsible drinking. In the same way, we believe that home cultivation of marijuana is a smart step for our state to take at this time.

NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano wrote:

NORML maintains that the inclusion of legislative provisions permitting the non-commercial home cultivation of cannabis serves as leverage to assure that the product available at retail outlets is high quality, safe, and affordable to the general consumer. Just as adults have the right to brew small amounts of alcohol for personal purposes, adults should also have the right to cultivate personal use quantities of cannabis at home. There is no reason or compelling state interest to infringe this right in a jurisdiction where the cannabis plant is no longer defined as contraband.

Legislation enacted in 2017 directed the WSLCB to “conduct a study of regulatory options for the legalization of marijuana plant possession and cultivation by recreational marijuana users.” The study must take into account the “Cole Memo,” issued by the United State Department of Justice in 2013, which outlines the federal government’s enforcement priorities in states where medical or recreational marijuana has been legalized or decriminalized. The study and recommendations are due to the Legislature on Dec. 1, 2017.

Media hits surround NORML’s involvement in this area includes:

Public comment closes on October 11, 2017. If you are a Washington State resident, you can easily submit written comments by clicking HERE.

Follow Washington State NORML by clicking HERE.

 

0 thoughts

  1. This is your freedom at stake, Washington! Make your voice heard and click on the public comment link. As one of the two original states to legalize, the whole nation is watching you.

  2. Home cultivation of marijuana should be permissible, not only because, as stated above:

    a) it is the logical extension to marijuana legalization; and,

    b) it provides leverage against the ever-present corporate predilection for screwing consumers; but also,

    c) Respect for truth! Reefer madness must end! We must reject the political framing of marijuana as a vice or danger from which society must be protected; rather, we must demand acknowledgement of the fact that cannabis is a safe and positive thing for society, one which should be freely available to the citizenry.

    When society fears cannabis less than dandelions (and certainly less than guns) only then will reefer madness be banished and sanity restored.

    1. Have you ever seen anything crazier than a DEA commando paramilitary unit, armed to the fucking teeth, taking tactical assault positions against a pretty little flower?

      That’s when I snapped.

  3. Go for it, guys. This issue affects not only the growing of high-THC flowerbud for intended inspiration intensity but also of plants, including males, meant for leaf material included in herbal-enhanced smoothies, which no one can prove has anything to do with “intoxication” any more than if the material were basil, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage, savory or thyme.
    .
    Besides, the selective trimming and shaping of each plant provides education and art value for the young child and applies to eventual wider knowledge of produce gardening and forestry to benefit urban communities.

  4. Here in PA, they still haven’t got decriminalization to our Governors desk. So they’re being slowed by the republicans who don’t want to see it pass. But as far as I know, Tom publicly said its a step in the right way. He sounded like he may pass a bill as such.

    It has to get to his desk first, before anything is done there. I feel like PA will be FAR behind on things like this.

    But growing ourselves should be legalized as well as having it in the first place. It is being treated as a drug more dangerous than already legal alcohol, and doesn’t reach 1% or that level. Alcohol has been known for millions of deaths, cannabis 0.

    Lets just say, should be a legal drug.

    WAY TO GO WASHINGTON, HOPE IT PASSES.

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