Seattle Police Department guide to legal marijuana use

Selentine · Nov 10, 2012

Marijwhatnow? A Guide to Legal Marijuana Use In Seattle | SPD Blotter

TL;DR?
Here's a practical guide for what the Seattle Police Department believes I-502 means for you, beginning December 6th, based on the department's current understanding of the initiative Please keep in mind that this is all subject to review and revision by the state attorney general, and King County Prosecutor's office:
Can I legally carry around an ounce of marijuana?
According to the recently passed initiative, beginning December 6th, adults over the age of 21 will be able to carry up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use. Please note that the initiative says it â€œis unlawful to open a package containing marijuanaâ€¦in view of the general public,â€ so there's that. Also, you probably shouldn't bring pot with you to the federal courthouse (or any other federal property).
Well, where can I legally buy pot, then?
The Washington State Liquor Control Board is working to establish guidelines for the sale and distribution of marijuana. The WSLCB has until December 1, 2013 to finalize those rules.
Can I grow marijuana in my home and sell it to my friends, family, and co-workers?
As long as you're a licensed grower and seller, yes. If you're a medical marijuana patient, the rules on growing haven't changed.
Can I smoke pot outside my home? Like at a park, magic show, or the Bite of Seattle?
Much like having an open container of alcohol in public, doing so could result in a civil infraction-like a ticket-but not arrest. You can certainly use marijuana in the privacy of your own home. Additionally, if smoking a cigarette isn't allowed where you are (say, inside an apartment building or flammable chemical factory), smoking marijuana isn't allowed there either.
Will police officers be able to smoke marijuana?
As of right now, no. This is still a very complicated issue.
If I apply for a job at the Seattle Police Department, will past (or current) marijuana use be held against me? The current standard for applicants is that they have not used marijuana in the previous three years. In light of I-502, the department is consulting with the city's employment law division and the state attorney general to see if and how that standard may be revised.
What happens if I get pulled over and an officer thinks I've been smoking pot?
If an officer believes you're driving under the influence of anything, they will conduct a field sobriety test and may consult with a drug recognition expert. If officers establish probable cause, they will bring you to a precinct and ask your permission to draw your blood for testing. If officers have reason to believe you're under the influence of something, they can get a warrant for a blood draw from a judge. If you're in a serious accident, then a blood draw will be mandatory.
What happens if I get pulled over and I'm sober, but an officer or his K9 buddy smells the ounce of Super Skunk I've got in my trunk?
Under state law, officers have to develop probable cause to search a closed or locked container. Each case stands on its own, but the smell of pot alone will not be reason to search a vehicle. If officers have information that you're trafficking, producing or delivering marijuana in violation of state law, they can get a warrant to search your vehicle.
SPD seized a bunch of my marijuana before I-502 passed. Can I have it back?
No.
Will SPD assist federal law enforcement in investigations of marijuana users or marijuana-related businesses, which are legal, at the state level, under I-502?
No. Officers and detectives will not participate in an investigation of anything that's allowed by state law.
December 6th seems like a really long ways away. What happens if I get caught with marijuana before then? Hold your breath. Your case will be processed under current state statute. However, there is already a city statute making marijuana enforcement the lowest law enforcement priority.
I'm under 21. What happens if I get caught smoking pot?
It's a violation of state law. It'll be referred to prosecutors, just like if you were a minor in possession of alcohol. But, again, marijuana enforcement is still the lowest law enforcement priority in Seattle. This is all still under review and we're still awaiting advisement from the state attorney general.
Click to expand...

Ganga Lova · Nov 10, 2012

SPD seized a bunch of my marijuana before I-502 passed. Can I have it back?
No.
Click to expand...

Made me choke on my drink from laughing

Tuq · Nov 10, 2012

Ganga Lova said:

Made me choke on my drink from laughing
Click to expand...

LOL

same here!

Armory · Nov 10, 2012

im getting that warm fuzzy feeling

Jack Klompus · Nov 10, 2012

Seattle just got a little better.

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Seattle Police Department guide to legal marijuana use

Selentine Registered User

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Tuq its pronounced: tuck

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Seattle Police Department guide to legal marijuana use

Selentine Registered User

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Tuq its pronounced: tuck

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