Washington Law Review
Abstract
This Article examines the process and outcomes of cannabis legalization in Washington State, offering insights for other states and potential federal legalization schemes. It begins with an overview of the campaign that led to the passage of Initiative 502 (I-502), detailing the initiative’s structure, which draws from liquor licensing laws. The Article then explores the establishment of a recreational cannabis market from scratch, focusing on agency structure, federal responses such as the Cole Memorandum, and the state’s regulatory framework aimed at preventing adverse outcomes.
Additionally, this Article highlights Washington’s efforts to promote social equity, emphasizing that I-502 was framed as a criminal justice reform measure. It also discusses the influence of Washington’s model on broader nationwide legalization efforts, addressing key aspects such as vertical integration, residency requirements, and the merging of medical and recreational markets. Through this comprehensive analysis, the Article provides a roadmap for policymakers considering cannabis legalization at both state and federal levels.
First Page
125
Recommended Citation
Bruce Turcott & Daniel Shortt,
Washington's Implementation of Legalized Cannabis: A Model for Other States and the Federal Government,
100 Wash. L. Rev.
125
(2025).
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.law.uw.edu/wlr/vol100/iss1/8
Included in
Food and Drug Law Commons, Jurisdiction Commons, Legislation Commons, Medical Jurisprudence Commons, Other Law Commons, State and Local Government Law Commons
