Just as Seattle criminal law attorneys anticipated, Washington State’s Senate continued to move forward with its efforts to establish more clarity to Washington State medical marijuana system. On March 2, 2011, the Senate approved a bill that is aimed at giving patients greater protection from marijuana related arrests, and brings the medical marijuana supply chain out of a legal gray area. The measure now moves on to the House of Representatives.

Currently it is legal for a patient to possess marijuana in Washington State. However, it is not exactly clear how the patient is to obtain marijuana legally. Washington State law does not allow for marijuana sales per se; patients either grow their own marijuana, or they designate a caregiver to grow it for them. Because many patients simply cannot or do not want to grow their own marijuana, they have resorted to forming groups that grow pot collectively, contributing “dues” to cover costs. The patients pick up their marijuana supplies from locations that have become known as “marijuana dispensaries”. Washington law does not address the lawfulness of these marijuana dispensaries, and in fact many governmental agencies (such as the Washington State Department of Health) are not convinced of the legality of marijuana dispensaries.

The bill is geared towards addressing this curious conundrum in Washington’s medical marijuana system. The measure clarifies who can grow and sell marijuana by establishing a licensing mechanism. The measure also creates a registry (accessible by law enforcement) where authorized users are required to enroll, and thus government will have greater oversight over the medical marijuana system.

If you or a loved one is faced with a possession of marijuana charge in Western Washington, you deserve nothing less than the very best representation from a reputable and qualified Seattle criminal attorney who will relentlessly defend your case. You deserve a Seattle criminal lawyer who has an intimate understanding of not only Washington’s criminal laws, but also the legal issues that could win your case. You deserve a Seattle criminal defense lawyer who is not afraid to stand up against the prosecution and aggressively fight for your rights and interests. SQ Attorneys is the right Western Washington criminal law firm for the job. Call for a free initial consultation – (206) 441.0900 (Seattle); (425) 998-8384 (Eastside) – it will be the best decision you make all day.