Initiative 502 might end up on November ballot
The Secretary of State’s office recently certified a measure to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana sales, according to The Associated Press. The campaign for the Initiative 502 had received enough petition signatures. According to David Ammons, a spokesman for Secretary of State Sam Reed, a random 3 percent sampling of nearly 355,000 petition signatures that were submitted had more than 241,251 needed valid signatures to qualify, totaling nearly 278,000. The measure will now go to the Legislature, but lawmakers are not likely to take up the issue during the short 60-day session that ends March 8, which means it wouldn’t likely appear on the ballot until November.
Initiative 502 would impose a 25 percent tax on retail and wholesale cannabis sales. The measure would also create a state system of licensed growers, processors and stores. Adults 21 years old or older would be allowed to purchase one ounce of dried cannabis; one pound of a marijuana-infused product in solid form (such as cookies, brownies, etc.); or 72 ounces of medicated liquids, according to the AP.
Voters support legalization, new poll says
While it’s definitely not a majority, more Washington voters support marijuana legalization, according to a report in The Seattle Times. An Elway Research poll released just a few weeks ago reported that 48 percent were in favor of Initiative 502, a measure that would legalize cannabis. Forty-five percent were opposed to legalization.
The strongest support came from younger, more educated voters. A prior poll done in November showed 57 percent approval and strong support among baby boomers, The Times reported.
