SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6375
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 23, 2016
Title: An act relating to marijuana clubs.
Brief Description: Modifying marijuana club provisions.
Sponsors: Senators Rivers and Pedersen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/22/16.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Staff: Richard Rodger (786-7461)
Background: In 2015, the Legislature banned the operation or maintenance of marijuana clubs by making such activity a class C felony. A "marijuana club" is a club, association, or other business that conducts or maintains a premises for the purpose of providing a location where individuals may keep or consume marijuana on the premises.
Summary of Bill: Local governments may license and regulate marijuana use locations within their jurisdictions where consumption of marijuana is permitted. These licensees must prohibit the entry of persons under the age of 21 to marijuana use locations. Marijuana use locations must comply with all other applicable provisions of state law.
The penalty for violation of the marijuana club provisions is reduced to a gross misdemeanor.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The prohibition on marijuana clubs creates problems for persons who have no other place to legally consume marijuana. This includes those who don't own their own house or those who stay in hotels or apartments. It also has great impact on tourists, who purchase the legal products, but have limited options to consume the products. There is currently lots of public consumption of marijuana and the prohibition against this would be easier to enforce if people were provided a legal place to consume marijuana. This bill doesn't override the Clean Air Act - the indoor smoking of marijuana is not under that act's purview. The City of Seattle's goal is to provide for the equitable distribution of marijuana businesses and we expect the Council would do the same for these types of facilities. Simple carbon filters could be used to ensure that any offensive odors would be eliminated and could not be detected outside.
CON: We are concerned that allowing these facilities will increase black market activity and result in increased occurrences of individuals driving while impaired. These facilities should be strictly regulated.
OTHER: We would be concerned if the local jurisdictions allow both the consumption of marijuana and alcohol on the same premises. The bill should prohibit the alcohol at these locations.
Persons Testifying: PRO: John Schochet, Seattle City Attorney's Office; Lew McMurran, Cannabis Org. of Retail Establishments - CORE; K.C. Franks, Owner, Stash; Ezra Eickmeyer, E n A Strategic Consulting; Josh Estes, Association for Medical Cannabis Reform.
CON: Seth Dawson, Wash. Assoc. for Substance Abuse Prevention.
OTHER: Justin Nordhorn, WSLCB.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.