Since 1978 it has been federally legal to brew your own beer and wine at home. And for several years I have been fermenting and bottling my own wine at home. Kind of fun!
As of the 2020 election, 35 states and Washington D.C. have legalized medical cannabis. Some states including Washington allow medical cannabis patients to grow cannabis for medical purposes. In Washington, a qualifying medical cannabis patient, after paying a yearly fee of $100-150 for medical authorization, can grow between 4-15 plants.
However, the Washington Department of Health does not maintain a list of licensed producers who can sell plants to patients. In Washington, medical cannabis patients need to ask local medically endorsed retail stores if they are aware of any licensed producers in the area open to the public. So, as a result, it is extremely difficult to purchase clones (starter plant) or seeds. In my search, I’ve found only one distributor who sells to medical patients. This producer is inconveniently located in Grayland, Washington south of Westport, which is many hours’ drive from most cities in Washington.
Contrast this to Oregon where any adult 21+ can purchase up to 4 clones or seeds at most cannabis dispensaries. Moreover, in the 15 states that have legalized recreational cannabis 10 allow any adult 21+ to grow up between 4-6 plants. You can find a state by state list here.
While WA was one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, the legislature has rejected efforts to change the law and allow any adult to grow their own cannabis. I personally believe this is a social justice health access issue. Many people who would qualify for a medical cannabis card and could grow their own, do not have the $100-150 to pay for a yearly medical authorization card.
That may change this year. State Rep. Shelley Kloba, D-Kirkland, has introduced House Bill 1019 which would limit each adult 21+ in WA to grow 6 home-grown plants. In a household with more than one adult. No more than 15 plants could be cultivated per household.
Rep. Shelley Kloba called Washington’s ban on home growing of cannabis “an antiquated policy.”
If you agree perhaps this might be a time to contact your state representative.
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