The bill amends existing laws regarding the medical use of cannabis in Washington State, specifically RCW 69.51A.040, 69.51A.055, and 69.51A.060, while repealing RCW 69.51A.043. Key changes include clarifying that qualifying patients or designated providers may not be arrested or prosecuted for cannabis-related activities if they possess a valid recognition card or authorization, and if they adhere to specified possession limits. The bill also stipulates that if a person is both a qualifying patient and a designated provider, they may possess double the authorized amounts. Additionally, it emphasizes that no more than 15 plants may be grown in a single housing unit, and it requires that patients or providers present their recognition card or authorization to law enforcement when questioned.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that the protections against arrest and prosecution do not apply to individuals under supervision for a criminal conviction if the terms of their supervision conflict with the provisions of the cannabis law. It also introduces a class 3 civil infraction for using or displaying medical cannabis in public view and clarifies that no health care professional is obligated to authorize medical cannabis use. The repeal of RCW 69.51A.043 removes the affirmative defense related to failure to enter the medical cannabis authorization database, streamlining the legal framework surrounding medical cannabis use in the state.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 69.51A.040, 69.51A.250, 69.51A.060
Bill as Passed Legislature: 69.51A.040, 69.51A.250, 69.51A.060
Session Law: 69.51A.040, 69.51A.250, 69.51A.060