WSR 15-17-057

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed August 14, 2015, 9:22 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 246-71 WAC, creating a new chapter regarding rules for a medical marijuana authorization database.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: 2SSB 5052 (chapter 70, Laws of 2015, regular session).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Section 21 of 2SSB 5052 (chapter 70, Laws of 2015, regular session) requires the department of health (DOH) to establish a medical marijuana authorization database. The purpose of the database is to allow for the creation of recognition cards for patients and their designated providers. The cards allow patients and their designated providers to possess larger amounts of marijuana products, purchase the products without sales tax, and provide arrest protection.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Liquor and cannabis board (LCB) - LCB has authority to license the medically endorsed marijuana retail stores who can create cards for a patient and sell medical marijuana products. DOH will coordinate the implementation of 2SSB 5052 with LCB through regular meetings and other communication.

Process for Developing New Rule: Collaborative.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Persons interested in receiving updates can join the Washington state medical marijuana program listserv at www.doh.wa.gov/medicalmarijuana. Questions and comments may be sent by fax (360) 236-2901, mail Medical Marijuana Program, P.O. Box 47852, Olympia, WA 98504-7852, e-mail medicalmarijuana@doh.wa.gov, or phone (360) 236-4819.

August 14, 2015

Dennis E. Worsham

Deputy Secretary

for John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH

Secretary