Someone give me the low down on legal marijuana logistics (Seattle: for sale, 2014)

[Rcsligar]

I am moving to seattle in a couple months and am curious about the logistics behind the Washington state law that essentially made marijuana legal. I know there are medical dispensaries in the area and am fairly familiar with the policies behind that but id like to know more about what the plans are (if any) for legitimate legal cannabis stores. Will one be opening any time soon? I heard there's one planned to come out in Georgetown next year but its not confirmed. Also, what's the deal with public smoking laws? If you're outside, can you just light one up in the street without worrying? I imagine there are some areas where it might be restricted. Any info is appreciated.

[amaiunmei]

I-502 Implementation | Washington State Liquor Control Board

[tekniskagal]

BUMP!!
Lol. What is the culture like?

[Hemlock140]

I walk through the heavily congested Pike Place market area daily about 3pm, and often see (and smell) people smoking a joint in public while police officers ride by on horses or bikes and ignore them. It may be a while longer before any details of regulations for sale and taxing are set up, but meanwhile it is definitely a hands-off policy for the police unless someone is found with a large quantity. The same cannot be said for the smaller cities, such as on the eastside where it may be a low priority but most use is younger people (illegal age) and they are busted regularly. They also do enforce the "no smoking within 25' of a building entrance" state law, whether it be pot or tobacco.

[scarlett_ptista]

The Seattle PD blog post was pretty informative (if dated), and hilarious

Marijwhatnow? A Guide to Legal Marijuana Use In Seattle

[Ira500]

The law passed by the voters does not allow for the public consumption of marijuana. But the voters of the city of Seattle a number of years ago directed the Seattle police to regard marijuana as lowest priority, so if you discretely light up I don't think you're taking much of a risk, but it's not technically legal. Don't light up at an elementary school, or in front of the offices of the Lung Association.
I think the group tasked with implementing the law isn't quite done with their task, but I think stores are scheduled to open sometime in 2014. It's also very possible that the federal government will intervene, preventing the stores from opening.
.

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by tekniskagal

bump!!
Lol. What is the culture like?

same...as...it...ever...was

[guardianmoon]

Sorry to wake this old thread up, but I'm a bit confused by the system here. I went to the dispensary in my neighborhood and they told me I'd have to go to a clinic first, get registered and get an ID. Makes sense. But, do they really need a fully documented medical condition or is it more of a joke/formality? How likely are you to get refused registration?

[swerver]

I've heard they are stricter than other states like California, but regardless I'm sure it can be done fairly easily. Having said that, it will cost you some cash, couple hundred bucks I think, so may as well just wait a few months and you'll be able to buy in stores without the medical hassle. Last I heard, non-medical stores should be opening by June 2014.

[Ira500]

Originally Posted by guardianmoon

Sorry to wake this old thread up, but I'm a bit confused by the system here. I went to the dispensary in my neighborhood and they told me I'd have to go to a clinic first, get registered and get an ID. Makes sense. But, do they really need a fully documented medical condition or is it more of a joke/formality? How likely are you to get refused registration?

It is more of a joke/formality. There are "doctors" who have offices "coincidentally" right next door to the dispensaries. I don't think you can walk into the clinic and say " Nothing's wrong with me, write me a prescription, beeyatch.", but you can probably say " I get headaches", or " My back hurts."