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The first online-only news site in state history to get media credentials to cover the state capitol and Seattle city hall, PubliCola has been called a “must-read” by the Seattle Post Intelligencer and a hot “New Media Mover and Shaker” by Seattle Magazine—which also cited our own Erica C. Barnett as the city's No. 1 news nerd.

Afternoon Fizz: Senate Expands Medical Marijuana Access

Politics, This Washington   March 11, 2010 at 4:44 pm Erica C. Barnett

This just in from Olympia: The state legislature just passed legislation extending the authority to prescribe medical marijuana to any licensed health-care provider who is currently authorized to distribute controlled substances, including nurses, osteopaths, naturopaths, and physicians assistants. Currently, only doctors can prescribe medical marijuana. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-36), builds on a statewide initiative passed in 1998 that allows doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients with terminal or debilitating medical conditions.


  • http://twitter.com/joeszilagyi Joe Szilagyi

    What's the current state of medical marijuana as far as law enforcement in WA goes? As in, if I had a prescription, and was carrying within the defined limits of that prescription, is it hands-off for local and state-level law enforcement?

  • barman

    It is hands-off. There are limitations of course, like don't be smoking in public.

  • Anc

    Well a small step is better than no step. Good on you Olympia.

  • http://peacetreefarm.org/ N in Seattle

    Wait a second … osteopaths weren't previously allowed to prescribe MM?

    Why would that be? They're every bit as much “real” physicians as are allopaths (i.e., MDs).

  • Keith

    So, honestly from what I've heard worst case is that they take it and cite you and the judge drops the case later. Best case is nothing happens.

  • matthewsbeachmikek

    Here's a plug: Initiative 1068 will remove all criminal and civil penalties for adult use of marijuana:

    http://sensiblewashington.org

    Please sign the petition when you encounter a volunteer signature gatherer (it's an all volunteer effort). Or, volunteer to gather signatures yourself and be a part of it.

  • mathewrenndawgrenner

    Wow, pot-heads now have more places to get there garbage. I got a haedache, I need pot. Oh, please.