MarijuanaEl2012
Washington voters have overwhelming approved a measure to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana. (AP image)

Washington voters approve legalized marijuana

BY MyNorthwest.com  on November 6, 2012 @ 4:22 pm (Updated: 6:10 am - 11/7/12 )

Washington voters have overwhelmingly approved a measure to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana in the state.

Check live results.

"The whole country is going to wake up and look at Washington state and recognize this is the beginning of taking apart prohibition one state at a time," said initiative supporter Rick Steves.

I-502 establishes a system of state-licensed marijuana growers, processors and retail stores, where adults over 21 can buy up to an ounce. It also would establish a standard blood test limit for driving under the influence.

Estimates have shown pot taxes could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars a year, but the sales wouldn't start until state officials make rules to govern the legal weed industry.

Recent public polling has showed significant support for the measure. Pot legalization initiatives were also on the ballot Tuesday in Colorado and Oregon. While the measure was running over 50 percent statewide, it was capturing 64 percent approval in King County.

Promoted by New Approach Washington, I-502 called for a 25 percent excise tax at each stage from the growers on until it is sold in stores to adults 21 and over. They could buy up to an ounce of dried marijuana; one pound of marijuana-infused product in solid form, such as brownies; or 72 ounces of marijuana-infused liquids.

The cannabis would be subject to testing to establish its THC content, and labeled accordingly. Public display or use of marijuana would still be prohibited.

State financial experts estimate it could raise nearly $2 billion in tax revenue over the next five years, with the money going toward education, health care, substance abuse prevention and basic government services.

It remained unclear how the federal government would respond.

When state and federal laws conflict, federal law takes precedence. Federal authorities could sue in an attempt to block I-502 from taking effect. The Justice Department has given no hints about its plans.

The campaign was notable for its sponsors and supporters, who ranged from public health experts to two of the DOJ's top former officials in Seattle, U.S. Attorneys John McKay and Kate Pflaumer.

The effort raised more than $6 million in contributions, with more than $2 million of that coming from Progressive Insurance Co. founder Peter Lewis, who used marijuana to treat pain from a leg amputation.

The ample fundraising allowed New Approach Washington to run television ads through the campaign's final weeks.

Meanwhile, I-502 had little organized opposition. Some in law enforcement and public health are concerned that increased access will lead to increased abuse, especially among teens.

Others who opposed the measure did so because it didn't go far enough, and that the blood test limits were arbitrary and could affect medical marijuana patients. Still others worried about a possible federal-state law clash.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

MyNorthwest.com, Staff report
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Comments (43)


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  • Zagnut wrote...
    I see our selfish group of voters have decided our children aren't all that important.
    November 6, 2012 8:29 pm
    No big surprise.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Witchwood wrote...
    Yeah, because Prohibition totally kept the children safe
    November 6, 2012 8:39 pm

    I guess that's why the precious children had more access to cannabis than alcohol in school. Because Prohibition kept the little darlings safe.

    Americans are such slaves. Rather than kowtowing to our own government, as we always do on subjects like this, we should be asking the feds why, if cannabis is so toxic, they waited until 1937 to ban it. By your argument, children before 1937 must have been destroying their brains daily, since they didn't have the the almighty law to protect them.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Zagnut wrote...
    So you think pot is good for kids. OK. I disagree.
    November 6, 2012 8:42 pm
    And I think only an idiot would argue that this law will not lead to more kids smoking pot.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • MandaFace wrote...
    Okay...
    November 6, 2012 8:53 pm
    So, let me get this straight. Not sure where you grew up or your background, but for me, pot, alcohol, mushrooms, etc are available to ANYONE able to locate it, child or not. How does legalizing it make it easier for "your precious children" to get their hands on it? Go into mommy's stash and take some to school for their friends? Then the parents should treat it like a gun and lock it away from the "little darlings" so they can't get to it. Your point is invalid and quite frankly, a load of bullspit.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • JeffShelton wrote...
    Just because it is legal doesn't mean more kids will smoke pot
    November 6, 2012 9:14 pm
    With Cigarettes and Alcohol being readily available to me as a kid I never once did it nor did I do drugs. Really it comes down to two things. Upbringing; I learned from my parents either by knowledge or fear of my dad never to do any sort of drug even though he drank and smoked cigarettes, I never did so it depends on the kids upbringing. Secondly is the fact that kids will get it whether it is legal or not and they will still face the same penalties after this law is passed that they do now.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • paus wrote...
    What planet do you live on?
    November 7, 2012 7:56 am
    Pot is much easier to get than alcohol for teenagers because illegal drug dealers don't card.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • k2maverick wrote...
    Wait...
    November 6, 2012 8:46 pm
    You at one point were also a child and so was I. Guess what...all children grow up. They don't stay kids forever. This bill will add a tremendous amount of money to our government that will help with schools among other things. So before you instantly go for the sob story kid vote...remember they all grow up. A lot of times, adults are assholes, but at one point in time they were kids...so don't paint the picture that kids are that great to society and the decisions that adults make.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Jeddite wrote...
    NOVEL CONCEPT
    November 6, 2012 8:46 pm
    Parenting means not needing the government to keep your little crotchblossoms away from maryjane.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • k2maverick wrote...
    I prefer to call them...
    November 6, 2012 8:49 pm
    ...sex trophies.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Witchwood wrote...
    The best thing about kids
    November 6, 2012 9:27 pm
    is making them.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Bloodsurf69 wrote...
    Agreed
    November 7, 2012 9:31 am
    I totally agree
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Newton wrote...
    Lugnut do have a brain cell left in that head yours.
    November 6, 2012 9:20 pm
    Age limit is 21. Second it makes a great fuel and its so clean you only have to change your oil once a year. Henry ford made fuel and car parts out of hemp. The car parts where stronger then steel. You keep feeding your kids those "safe" GMO foods and showering and drink your "fluorided" water oh don't forget your "vaccines" for the flu. Oh and fake sweetners are very healthy for you also. That pop you drink its good for you by the gallon thats also good for your kids. Chemical made by processed foods Umm good.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • LesPaul wrote...
    Zagnut has been brain washed!
    November 6, 2012 9:46 pm
    Do you really think prohibition makes our kids safer? I remember the first time I ever saw "weed". Seventh grade behind the gym. Two guys in the grade above me were smoking it in a rolled up Cinnaburst gum wrapper. That's the way all the kids smoked it. Why? Because they didn't have any way to get rolling papers. Nobody would buy the twelve year old rolling papers but the drug dealer never asked to see an I.D. Your kids are safer with mj in the government's hand than the pusher man's.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Oly80 wrote...
    totally...
    November 7, 2012 11:29 am
    gangsta thugs selling weed have NEVER caused a gang crossfire killing innocent kids.

    learn from history or be the idiot that keeps repeating it.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Zagnut wrote...
    Make something legal and more will do it. Obviously. Who could argue against that obvious truth?
    November 6, 2012 9:00 pm
    So, if you think more people smoking pot (including kids) is a good thing then you are cool with this vote. If you think it would be better for society if fewer people were stoners then you should probably be unhappy about this vote. Whatever. The way the vote went across the board it really doesn't matter. Lets all just get high and dance. Adults are lame man. They just aren't hip. Party on!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • csselement wrote...
    Zagnut, please.
    November 6, 2012 9:24 pm
    A pot smoker (and LSD user) put the very computer you're using to argue this issue, in front of you. "Let's all get high and dance. Adults are lame man..." are you serious? You sound like an idiot who can only think in stereotypes. I challenge you to name one example of something that became legal and suddenly more people practiced it. We already tried prohibition. It doesn't work. Period. People will get what they want if they really want to get it - and there will always be those who profit from getting it for them. 'Drug dealers' just lost a good portion of business. Those untaxed dollars are now heavily taxed and put into the state's education system. It may be an unstoppable force but it can be channeled. Stay positive, let others live their own lives, and don't rely on the law to do your parenting.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • gaymarriedchristianfromhollywood wrote...
    Smoking and alcohol are both legal and the numbers are down
    November 6, 2012 9:26 pm
    everybody and their mother used to smoke, and alcohol is way more addicting than marijuana. And nobody ever came home and beat their wife and kids because they got stoned. Also, there's no MASD (Mothers Against Stoned Drivers).
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Witchwood wrote...
    Were you shakingly reaching for the scotch as you typed that, Zaggy?
    November 6, 2012 9:33 pm

    Since the drug that causes the most deaths and societal dysfunction is legal (it's called alcohol), it follows that you should be beating the drum to recriminalized booze. Once that is accomplished (and I'm sure you can do it), you can criminalize cigarettes and fatty food.

    If you don't do these things then you obviously hate children. Why do you hate children?

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Beuser wrote...
    Who could argue???.....this guy!!!
    November 7, 2012 11:01 am
    If you think the prohibition of Marijuana has a direct affect on how many people choose to use it you are sadly mistaken. Kid's start smoking pot because they are curious and their friends do it. Adults who partake do so cause they purely enjoy it...kinda like cigarettes. Legalizing pot will not have an affect on either of those groups. At the same time if you think letting the gov't regulating weed will stop your kids from having access think again. Growers are still gonna grow whether they are licensed to or not and with all the taxes that will be placed on "legal" pot they will be able to offer it at a discounted price. This law won't drastically change anything but it is a step in the right direction.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Jnot002 wrote...
    no dude think about what you said for a second
    November 7, 2012 12:45 pm
    some "kids" that do it just do it because they think its kewl because its illegal now that its gonna be legal less of these "kids" will do it
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CldWtrSrf wrote...
    People in Eastern Washington are so unthough out in this...
    November 6, 2012 9:28 pm
    The majority over their voted against something that will help them...Industrial Hemp will grow like weeds over their. Big money, AmeriKa imports all it's Hemp, and now Washington farmers can grow it. But they probably won't because DuPont and the Hearst Company said that it was bad 75 years ago. Idiots.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HappyPants wrote...
    You're afraid that kids will now be able to get pot?
    November 6, 2012 9:38 pm
    Where do you think the ADULTS get it? FROM THE NEIGHBOR KID!! Its the teenagers who have the best stuff! It's ALREADY in their hands, jeeze...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ronzilla wrote...
    If the price goes up significantly (like alcohol) after legalization,
    November 6, 2012 11:40 pm
    I'm certain that the neighborhood kid will still have a lucrative business.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Phil B wrote...
    Good
    November 6, 2012 9:38 pm
    I'm not a smoker myself, but honestly, the fact that pot is illegal has never stopped anyone who wants to from getting weed. At least now, WA police agencies can their devote limted time and money pursuing REAL criminals. And don't worry. All you parents who are too lazy or afraid to talk to your kids about it, I'm sure the Feds will continue to crack down.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • 333 wrote...
    Zigzagnutcase
    November 6, 2012 10:00 pm
    It's called freedom, It's called "we the people". Deal with it.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • tlmbrt wrote...
    I have read
    November 7, 2012 1:28 am
    most of the comments on this page, and I have a few thoughts. The word that comes to mind is HYPOCRISY. The arguments FOR legalization are: 1) Tax it and make money for the state, taking profit away from criminals. 2) Save money by not having to prosecute offenders. First of all, since the "legal" weed will be "heavily taxed", criminals will see an opportunity to grow it and sell it untaxed at a discount, undercutting the state. This will require law enforcement to GO AFTER THEM, costing money. Or they will simply move to a DIFFERENT, more lucrative and more dangerous substance like heroin or meth. Do we then throw up our hands and legalize those as well? Second, despite claims to the contrary, the state actually ENCOURAGES the use of alcohol and cigarettes because they are major sources of revenue! Be careful what you wish for. If you are a smoker or drinker, you already know how expensive those products are due to high state taxes. If you are a recreational user of marijuana, get ready to shell out the bucks! If you are a medical user on a low fixed income, you will be adversely affected, unless the state plans to subsidize your purchases or require insurance companies to cover the cost!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Timophrey wrote...
    I Have too, read all the comments
    November 7, 2012 5:52 am
    And all the comments i have read have several things in common. There is talk about our kids and that they will be smoking more, well there is already a great amount of kids and adults that do. Another thing I noticed and liked was the fact that yes the food we feed our kids and ourselves, the alcohol and cigarets are much worse than that of marijuana. I know this NOT from some crazy statistic but from experience, I seen random people driving in their cars smoking. When I lived in my last apartment for like 3 years all of my neighbors that lived around me smoked. The thing is though each person would live there about a year and move out, the next person also happen to be a pothead but different, with a family. Now I myself do not agree to do this stuff during the raising of a family but people are all different, some can still function after sobering up. I would describe that as "no need" or "plenty of motivation" to keep me going, but there are people that do lose that motivation and that is called a stereotype. Although the stereotype is true, it does Not go for EVERYone because we are all different but I accuse my self as the stereotype. Why? Well because I seen the people that are active and energized from this stuff, they are able to focus and think quick. But not me I think to much and that is what makes me that kind of pothead, are the ideas I get that are actually good but are forgot when I sober up because I used a different part of my brain at the time witch is locked and wont unlock unless I start remembering every single little detail from that moment backwards or all over the place, depends. But sorry for rambling on, there is a lot more things i could say but i ran out if time and i got to get ready for school. But my view is simple, Do what you please just know the consequence. Of course there are many and i strongly disagree with kids from middle school and coming on to high school to be doing that stuff. The worst thing about it is the want to fit in or just peer pressure. Now peer pressure is not the way it was before, I know now its just talk and propaganda about it that makes kids want to smoke. I have one more statement to make. PARENTS remember that when you were a child you looked up to someone. And if you looked up to them all your childhood and teenage life you pretty much became that person in a way. So PARENTS its all you that influence your child. the way you act, talk and live all affects you child. and if you don't see your child much, wouldn't that mean that they don't see you ether, so who knows where they are getting their influence from.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CldWtrSrf wrote...
    tlmbrt wrote..Do we then throw up our hands and legalize those as well?
    November 7, 2012 12:36 pm
    Well yeah. Last time I checked, this was America...a land ruled by THE CONSTITUTION, which gives the Federal TYRANNICAL Government NO authority to legislate morality or substance abuse. Show me in the Constitution where the Federal Government is allowed to tell citizens that they can't partake of a drug if the so chose as long as they aren't harming anybody else? You can't. But sadly this isn't America Home of the Free anymore. It's AmeriKa, Land of the Sheep and Home of the Slave. At least Washington and Colorado have started down the right path by poking the FEDS in the eye and this will bring the States RIGHTS vs. Federal TYRANNY issue to the forefront. Nullification will also begin gaining traction. If you don't know what Nullification is, look it up, it's important.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Fuego wrote...
    The real winners are...
    November 7, 2012 6:58 am
    the cops cuz now they'll bust you for being over the limit. It may be legal to smoke weed but it if you get caught driving it's off to jail anyway. It's a great day for brain-washingtonians.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • MtnDewJunkie wrote...
    No Brainer...
    November 7, 2012 7:18 am
    If you're high, drunk or otherwise, you shouldn't be driving anyway.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • happy happy joy joy wrote...
    You only wish that were the case.
    November 7, 2012 7:45 am
    Those that grow their own at home, hide that stuff very well and do not share. Lest you be charged with tax evasion. People to easily get too focused on the issue but fail to read the fine print. Look at how they (Government) whine and complain about the taxes NOT being collected for cigarettes. Get caught growing at home and say hello to your local IRS agent. That would be a felony on your record, instead of a misdemeanor. Read the fine print.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Nervoso wrote...
    This is conjecture
    November 7, 2012 9:06 am
    the regulations and rules aren't in place.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • lemonkush wrote...
    wait and see
    November 7, 2012 10:10 am
    I Lived in Washington most my life, and as a freshman in high school I started smoking weed. With my low tolerance level I could take one puff and get super high for hours. I sometimes would get panicked, I could feel my breath getting raspy and heartbeat pounding in my throat. It scared me. I was a straight A student and all my friends were too. I made a conscious decision not to smoke. I was not a functional smoker. I was already a pretty good kid, my parents gave me the tools and sense to decide what was right for me, and pot wasn't. If you're half the parent I had, your kids will make the right choice. As a college educated adult, I now live in a household that grows medical marijuana in Oregon. It is completely legitimate, although a much different lifestyle than I would have seen myself in. When I'm not working, I make oil, hash, butter for cooking, and trim during harvest season (which is ending now).I sell my product to dispensaries and I also have four patients. I am also a patient, and a fully functional smoker. Because my tolerance is up I don't even get high anymore. At first, it was just like it was when I was a teenager, it was a little scary. I only took a puff or two and was flying. Now I can smoke bowl after bowl, and not feel a cognitive change. I am more relaxed, and my pain is dulled. I have the energy to cook and clean and exercise etc, and the brainpower to do computer coding, math, strategy and puzzle games and carry on a conversation. None of which I would be up for if I was drinking. I think many of the people who posted here have this image of what a "stoner" is like, but I doubt you'd know you were talking to one if you had a debate with me. I realize that weed might be scary to many of you, because you have no experience with it. Not only is it medication for some, but its also a safer alternative to alcohol for recreation. Be a good parent, and your kids will make the right decisions or learn from their mistakes. For all of you trying to talk about fine print, you'll just have to wait and see. Not only is the legislation not finalized, but that which is can be amended. Change is good, progress is good. Currently medical marijuana is legal in Oregon but is not federally. Some dispensaries have been raided by the feds and closed down. Its discouraging to follow state laws and not feel protected by the federal government, but it doesn't mean we should stop trying. If I were just a recreational smoker, and went to jail for smoking pot, sure you'd have one less smoker on the street, but you'd also have one less medical professional to pump your stomach when you drink too much, or save your life in the ER when you get hit by a drunk driver. Who cares if I want to smoke weed responsibly in the comfort of my own home? Patient or not, I should be able to make the decision.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • whidbeygirl wrote...
    Thanks Lemonkush!
    November 7, 2012 11:57 am
    I have been waiting for someone who can explain it as clearly as you (a pot smoker even, geez) to all the dingbat, reefer madness, anti-pot people posting on this issue.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sled_dawg wrote...
    Parents are responsible for their kids, not the government
    November 7, 2012 8:52 am
    Why should people keep dying for a drug war that isn't working when its the parents job to teach their children right from wrong. The people that can't do that, should really look at whether or not they're are fit to raise children.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick W7PSK wrote...
    This Law will not effect the drug trafficing or the Cartels
    November 7, 2012 10:21 am
    People will grow private and the Cartels make their money mostly on Cocaine and other drugs.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }