(1) Except as provided in RCW 69.50.401(2)(c) or as otherwise authorized by this chapter, any person found guilty of knowing possession of 40 grams or less of cannabis is guilty of a misdemeanor. The prosecutor is encouraged to divert cases under this section for assessment, treatment, or other services.

(2) In lieu of jail booking and referral to the prosecutor, law enforcement is encouraged to offer a referral to assessment and services available under RCW 10.31.110 or other program or entity responsible for receiving referrals in lieu of legal system involvement, which may include, but are not limited to, arrest and jail alternative programs established under RCW 36.28A.450, law enforcement assisted diversion programs established under RCW 71.24.589, and the recovery navigator program established under RCW 71.24.115.

Effective date—2023 sp.s. c 1 ss 1-5, 7-11, and 41: See note following RCW 69.50.4011.

Effective date—2022 c 16 ss 5, 9, 86, and 88: See note following RCW 69.50.4013.

Expiration date—2022 c 16 ss 4, 8, 85, and 87: See note following RCW 69.50.4013.

Intent—Finding—2022 c 16: See note following RCW 69.50.101.

Effective date—2021 c 311 ss 1-11 and 13-21: See note following RCW 71.24.115.

Expiration date—2021 c 311 ss 8-10 and 12: See note following RCW 69.50.4011.

Findings—Intent—Effective dates—2015 2nd sp.s. c 4: See notes following RCW 69.50.334.

Intent—Effective date—2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180.