Grapefruits Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Washington voters have overwhelmingly approved a measure to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana in the state. Check live results. I-502 establishes a system of state-licensed marijuana growers, processors and retail stores, where adults over 21 can buy up to an ounce. It also would establish a standard blood test limit for driving under the influence. Estimates have shown pot taxes could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars a year, but the sales wouldn't start until state officials make rules to govern the legal weed industry. Recent public polling has showed significant support for the measure. Pot legalization initiatives were also on the ballot Tuesday in Colorado and Oregon. While the measure was running over 50 percent statewide, it was capturing 64 percent approval in King County. Promoted by New Approach Washington, I-502 called for a 25 percent excise tax at each stage from the growers on until it is sold in stores to adults 21 and over. They could buy up to an ounce of dried marijuana; one pound of marijuana-infused product in solid form, such as brownies; or 72 ounces of marijuana-infused liquids. The cannabis would be subject to testing to establish its THC content, and labeled accordingly. Public display or use of marijuana would still be prohibited. State financial experts estimate it could raise nearly $2 billion in tax revenue over the next five years, with the money going toward education, health care, substance abuse prevention and basic government services. It remained unclear how the federal government would respond. When state and federal laws conflict, federal law takes precedence. Federal authorities could sue in an attempt to block I-502 from taking effect. The Justice Department has given no hints about its plans. The campaign was notable for its sponsors and supporters, who ranged from public health experts to two of the DOJ's top former officials in Seattle, U.S. Attorneys John McKay and Kate Pflaumer. The effort raised more than $6 million in contributions, with more than $2 million of that coming from Progressive Insurance Co. founder Peter Lewis, who used marijuana to treat pain from a leg amputation. The ample fundraising allowed New Approach Washington to run television ads through the campaign's final weeks. Meanwhile, I-502 had little organized opposition. Some in law enforcement and public health are concerned that increased access will lead to increased abuse, especially among teens. Others who opposed the measure did so because it didn't go far enough, and that the blood test limits were arbitrary and could affect medical marijuana patients. Still others worried about a possible federal-state law clash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tearloch7 Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Wonderful news .. maybe there is a chance for the USA after all .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Ambien Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Big fight to happen with the federal government, but hope it stays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grapefruits Posted November 7, 2012 Author Share Posted November 7, 2012 BC should definitely keep a close eye on how this works out for Washington. Lots of tax dollars to be made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackberries Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 This is good news!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buggernut Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 75% of British Columbians would too, but democracy takes a holiday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stexx Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 as long as "Public display or use of marijuana would still be prohibited." is strongly enforced (unlike it is now) i would be totally fine with the extra tax dollars from legalization. sick and tired of vancouver smelling like a skunk rolled through it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogbyte Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Finally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassian Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 as long as "Public display or use of marijuana would still be prohibited." is strongly enforced (unlike it is now) i would be totally fine with the extra tax dollars from legalization. sick and tired of vancouver smelling like a skunk rolled through it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tystick Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Congrats to Washington! Didn't Colorado legalize too? Wow We'll see how the Federal Gov't handles this since both states voted for Obama. What a historic night Hopefully BC can follow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drdeath Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Congrats to Washington (and Colorado). Let's see what the American federal government says about this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buggernut Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Congrats to Washington! Didn't Colorado legalize too? Wow We'll see how the Federal Gov't handles this since both states voted for Obama. What a historic night Hopefully BC can follow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stexx Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 some damn fine skunk too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buggernut Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 as long as "Public display or use of marijuana would still be prohibited." is strongly enforced (unlike it is now) i would be totally fine with the extra tax dollars from legalization. sick and tired of vancouver smelling like a skunk rolled through it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drdeath Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Wouldn't it only be fair if laws regarding its use was made consistent with tobacco laws? AFAIK, it's not illegal to light up in public. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buggernut Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 I think they're aiming to make it similar to liquor laws. I don't really see that as unfair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angry Goose Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 The US of A is coming a long way if this works out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Aerosex Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Washington and Colorado...BC can't be far behind. Dominos falling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlayStation Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 Meanwhile in Arkansas they voted against medicinal marijuana. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bossy Posted November 7, 2012 Share Posted November 7, 2012 You don't smoke liquor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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