Wash.: Legislation would decriminalize marijuana possession

Companion bills — SB 5615 and HB 1177 — have been introduced that would make adult possession of 40 grams (about 1.5 ounces) or less of marijuana a civil infraction punishable by a fine of $100, which can be paid by mail.

HB 1177 has been assigned to the House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness, but has yet to be scheduled for a hearing. SB 5615 has been scheduled for public hearing tomorrow, Tuesday, February 10, before the Senate Judiciary Committee at 10:00 a.m.

Please call your state senator and committee member today in support of SB 5615.

Twelve states have, under certain circumstances, removed the threat of jail for those found to be in possession of small amounts of marijuana — Oregon, California, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, New York, Colorado, and Massachusetts. Including Washington, there are six state legislatures — Connecticut, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Texas, and Vermont — currently considering similar legislation.

The costs associated with incarcerating marijuana users are significant and have done nothing to actually curb marijuana use. The only thing arresting people for possessing marijuana does is saddle them with a damaging criminal record that can make it impossible for an otherwise law abiding citizen to obtain a student loan, housing or a job. Please act today to change the way Washington deals with those who have chosen to use a substance that is less dangerous and less toxic than alcohol.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project and all of our allies. Please share this alert with others in Washington that may be interested in helping reform our failed marijuana laws.