Washington state considering recreational marijuana home grows

In a move that could have a serious impact on Washington marijuana retailers, the department overseeing recreational marijuana in the state will consider allowing home cultivation for adult use.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) announced in a news release that it will hold a public hearing Oct. 4 to solicit public input on whether to allow residents to cultivate marijuana plants for personal use.

Of the eight states that have legalized recreational cannabis, Washington is the only one that prohibits personal cultivation – although home grows are allowed for registered medical marijuana patients.

The LCB is following direction from the state legislature, which approved a bill directing the agency to study options for legalizing adult-use home grows.

Specifically, the agency is looking for input on three options:

• Tightly regulated home grows, including a required state permit and compliance with state inventory tracking systems.
• Home grows overseen by municipal authorities instead of the state, but still requiring a permit.
• Continued prohibition on home cultivation.