A pair of new bills introduced Thursday in the state Legislature would allow adults to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use.

Sounds like a great idea for Washington consumers.

Other states, including Oregon and Colorado, allow home growing (or plan to) – and I think this could be another positive step in the evolution of I502.

If you compare marijuana to the microbrewing industry, this is like letting people create their own home-brews.

It also could be a balance for the recreational market – because lower quality products and flower will likely lose out to home grows, leaving only good quality material to draw consumers to the stores. (Home growing could also lead to new strain development, more creativity, more jobs and more innovation in the marketplace by letting consumers experiment)

I know some consumers would like to see a larger number of plants allowed, but that said, I think this is a good starting point. (I also think medical marijuana patients should be allowed to grow a lot more plants than this).

Anyway, check out the release below. And let us know what you think!

Cheers,
-SueVo (sue.vorenberg@columbian.com)

Companion bills would allow personal marijuana home grows
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mar. 19, 2015

OLYMPIA – Clarity, limited bureaucracy and patient protections are the goals of bipartisan marijuana legislation introduced today by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, and Rep. Brian Blake, D-Aberdeen.

Senate Bill 6083, sponsored by Kohl-Welles, and House Bill 2196, sponsored by Blake, would permit individuals 21 years of age or older grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use. Only one home grow would be allowed per residence. Anyone who grows marijuana for personal use would be able to possess up to 8 ounces of useable marijuana and donate up to one ounce to another adult without compensation. The legislation would go a long way towards eliminating the need for multiple regulatory schemes and remove incentives driving the illicit marijuana market, the sponsors said.

“This bill would protect patients as well as recreational users,” said Kohl-Welles. “It also would create a bright line for law enforcement officers so that they could easily assess how many plants are growing in a residence, check for age, and quickly decide if the operation is legal without hassling residents.”

“This bill is about consistency, congruency and especially, freedom” said Blake. “Adults in our state can brew their own beer and make their own wine for personal consumption. Just like alcohol, marijuana can be used safely and responsibly, so it makes sense to allow adults to home grow their own if they want to.”

“We must keep in mind the unique needs of seriously ill patients who already bear an overwhelming burden due to health care costs and lost opportunities,” added Kohl-Welles. “Many cannot afford to purchase marijuana from a state-licensed retailer to meet all their needs or may not be able to drive to get their medicine. This bill would allow these people to grow at least some of what they need to treat their medical condition without breaking the bank.”

Growing up to six marijuana plants for personal use is allowed in all the other states that have legalized marijuana – Colorado, Oregon, and Alaska, as well as the District of Columbia.

Source: Cannabis Chronicles