Title:
Gov. Gregoire vetoes medical marijuana bill’s key protections
Message:
Despite hundreds of letters from constituents, last Friday, Gov.
Chris Gregoire vetoed the most important portions of the medical marijuana improvement
bill – SB
5073. Gov. Gregoire struck portions
of the proposal that would have created state licensed and regulated
medical marijuana dispensaries, as well as a voluntary patient registry, which would
have given patients protection from arrest and prosecution.
Medical marijuana patients in Washington retain their
affirmative defense, but providers must now wait 15 days between assisting two
different patients. On a brighter note, the bill, as signed by the governor,
contains explicit language allowing for patients to collectively grow their
medicine. Further, the governor stated that her veto gives the legislature an
additional 20 days to debate and pass legislation that would ultimately protect
patients from arrest and prosecution. The governor’s signed provisions will go
into effect 90 days after the adjournment of the regular session.
Although we’re disappointed that Gov. Gregoire allowed the
feds’ threat to take precedence over the health and safety of Washington
residents, we’re grateful to all who contacted their elected officials. We’d also
like to thank the ACLU of Washington for all their tireless work. Keep an eye
on your inbox for future updates.
