Washington State Could Soon Legalize Interstate Marijuana Sales: Will Feds Stand In The Way?

A measure allowing cannabis companies to negotiate interstate agreements in Washington State got the green light from members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, reported Marijuana Moment.

Lawmakers passed SB 5069 in a 71–26 vote after agreeing on an amendment that sought to change "a scrivener's error" in the bill's version that passed the state Senate in a 40-8 vote last month.

The legislation seeks to allow the governor to enter agreements with other legal states to allow imports and exports between licensed cannabis companies.

What's In The Bill

Under the legislation, imported cannabis goods would have to be aligned with the state's testing, packaging and labeling regulations; they need to adapt to regulations set by the Department of Health and Liquor & Cannabis Board.

Sen. Ann Rivers (R), one of the bill's sponsors, earlier said the state has taken solid steps "to make sure that the product produced here is labeled well and is tested and has the highest quality."

The measure would take effect if federal law is amended to allow for interstate transfer of cannabis between authorized businesses or the Justice Department issues an opinion allowing or tolerating interstate transfer, according to the bill.

What's Next?

The bill is now heading to the Senate for final approval, following a slight change on the House floor, after which it could reach Gov. Jay Inslee's (D) desk.

Photo: Courtesy of NikolayFrolochkin and ganjaspliffstoreuk by Pixabay