Washington (State) Counties Drop Marijuana Misdemeanor Possession Cases in Light of Vote

[Hissyspit]

Source: CNN


08:19 PM ET
Wash. counties drop marijuana misdemeanor possession cases in light of vote

The prosecutor's offices for two Washington counties - including the one that contains Seattle - announced today they will dismiss 175 misdemeanor marijuana possession charges, days after the state's voters legalized the drug.

The dropped cases all involve arrests of individuals age 21 and older for possessing one ounce or less of marijuana.

Washington state voters passed Initiative 502 on Tuesday, thus legalizing and regulating the production, possession, and distribution of cannabis for people ages 21 and older.

The initiative is set to take effect December 6, though King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg decided to act before then.

"There is no point in continuing to seek criminal penalties for conduct that will be legal next month," Satterberg said in a news release.

Read more: http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/11/09/washington-county-drops-marijuana-misdeanor-possession-cases-in-light-of-vote/comment-page-1/

[7wo7rees]

1. Thank you Dan.

May you live a long life prosecuting real criminals.

[distantearlywarning]

2. Very cool!

[SubgeniusHasSlack]

3. Colorado's rethug AG claims that herb taxation violates the idiotic Taxpayer Bill of Rights law

So it's TAX FREE!!!!

Whatever. Just leave us alone and we will be fine.

We have an efficient distribution system already in place and now it's legal.

[uncle ray]

8. it does.

actually just a few passages violate the stupid TABOR, like the one that demands the legislature pass an excise tax on recreational marijuana sold in stores. the legislature cannot be compelled to pass legislation. that does not make it tax free, that means they can only charge the same sales taxes as any other product until the situation gets straightened out.

the AG also said that he would respect the will of the voters.

[YOHABLO]

4. I Hope This Trend Grows Like A Wildfire .. IT's Time has Come

[easychoice]

5. From The Cops,Listen Up!

http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2012/11/09/marijwhatnow-a-guide-to-legal-marijuana-use-in-seattle/

[loli phabay]

6. i got no probs with mj being decriminalised and legal, but i would never want meth or crack to go

down that road. we need treatment for addicts and robust enforcement for the makers and dealers.

[RainDog]

7. The smart way to work this

at this time - with the DEA still where it is - it seems, from the legislation that passed--

is to keep cannabis as a "gift economy" item.

small scale, no official marketplace,

no local law enforcement of personal use in private settings

It seems the benefit to the economy will come through secondary sources.

---the purchase of equipment for people who want to grow something for personal consumption or to give as a gift.

---the reduction in law enforcement and court costs for the substance that has accounted for the most drug arrests for years.

---home entertainment items, since people will choose to have parties rather than go out related to cannabis use among friends.

---decrease in traffic accidents related to alcohol consumption, since some will choose not to use alcohol if given a choice. This one will also relate to decreased law enforcement related to alcohol consumption and accidents.

The dispensaries and that sort of thing will probably get hit close to the midterm elections with tax violations and that sort of thing unless a miracle occurs and Congress comes to its senses and does what 70% of the American population would like them to do - which is to remove cannabis from the current CSA, or at least its current schedule.

[obamanut2012]

9. This will save communities so much money!

As well as the Feds, if they would just decriminalize it.

LEOs, court times and judges and DAs, fewer prisons, revenue in taxes... and, less crime. Quit hiding behind MMJ, and just do what WA and CO did: say it's as okay to have a few bong hits as it is to have a few beers.

Good for WA and CO!!!

[cgnick]

10. It's a good thing that they want to focus on real crimes n/t