Wash.: Ask Gov. Gregoire to let SB 5073 become law

Published: April 21, 2011

Moments ago, the Washington Senate voted to concur with amendments made by the House to SB 5073 – a bill that would require the Departments of Health and Agriculture to license and provide clear regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries, producers, and processors, as well as create a voluntary registry that would grant registered patients protection from arrest. Currently, Washington law does not include protection from arrest for any patients, nor does it provide clear legal protections for dispensaries or producers. The bill now goes to Gov. Gregoire who can sign it, veto it, or allow it to become law without her signature.

Please email Gov. Gregoire NOW, asking that she sign SB 5073 or let it become law without her signature.

The Obama administration has made it clear: the Justice Department should not prosecute individuals who are in "clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws." In accordance, the U.S. Attorneys in the seven jurisdictions with medical marijuana laws that clearly allow for regulated medical marijuana dispensaries have not investigated or prosecuted providers in compliance with their respective state laws. Why should Washington be any different? Gov. Gregoire should allow SB 5073 to become law, giving Washington patients what they want and need – safe, reliable access to their medicine.