The bill amends several sections of the Washington state law regarding the medical use of cannabis, specifically focusing on arrest protections for qualifying patients and designated providers. It clarifies that individuals who possess a valid recognition card or authorization for medical cannabis, and who comply with specified possession limits, cannot be arrested or prosecuted for cannabis-related offenses. The bill introduces new provisions that allow for the possession of cannabis by individuals who have not been entered into the medical cannabis authorization database, provided they hold a valid authorization. Additionally, it specifies that no more than 15 cannabis plants may be grown in a single housing unit, and it outlines the conditions under which law enforcement officers may not be held liable for failing to seize cannabis.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing legal framework by repealing the affirmative defense related to failure to enter the medical cannabis authorization database and clarifies 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 this chapter. It also establishes that using or displaying medical cannabis in public view is a class 3 civil infraction and reiterates that employers can maintain drug-free workplace policies without needing to accommodate medical cannabis use. Overall, the bill aims to enhance legal protections for medical cannabis users while maintaining certain restrictions and responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 69.51A.040, 69.51A.250, 69.51A.060