Global Ganja Report

Washington's I-502—an initiative approved for the ballot in December—is creating a storm of dissension within the state's cannabis community. The measure would legalize possession of up to one ounce of cannabis by adults 21 and over, but limit sales to state-licensed stores overseen by the liquor control board. It contains no provision permitting home grow. It also contains a Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis (DUIC) provision that would make anyone guilty if they test at above 5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of active THC in blood. Critics call this an unscientific and arbitrary level.

Arrayed against I-502 are the Washington Safe Cannabis Act coalition (which is proffering an alternative proposal with no DUIC provision), Sensible Washington, and Patients Against I-502. It is supported by New Approach Washington, which is in turn supported by the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU-WA).  (Opposing Views, Feb. 27; The Weed Blog, Feb. 16; Toke of the Town, Oct. 31)

Photo: Themadpothead