Whatcom Dems to Discuss Pot Initiative in May

Supporters of the de-criminalization of marijuana are trying again this year to get an initiative on the ballot. Last year their effort fell short, but they learned a lot and started earlier and stronger this year. The Whatcom Democrats Platform calls for the decriminalization and regulation of marijuana.

Last year our membership endorsed the initiative (1038) and helped coordinate signature gathering locally. Rather than wait until and if this year’s initiative makes the ballot, there will be a proposal considered at the May membership meeting to endorse Initiative 1149.

Initiative 1149 would remove state civil and criminal penalties for the cultivation, possession, transportation, sale, or use of marijuana. It would create new criminal penalties for manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of marijuana by persons younger than eighteen years old, and for adults who distribute marijuana to them. Persons under eighteen would be permitted to possess marijuana obtained pursuant to a valid prescription. Certain penalties relating to drug paraphernalia would not apply to marijuana-related offenses.

You can read the complete text on-line at the Secretary of State’s website, and we will have copies in our office.