I-502 legalizing marijuana was not, never was, about requiring local jurisdictions to allow the sale of recreational marijuana.
So much for the narrative, the commonly heard pro-marijuana party-line – even verbalized by elected representatives – that the 2012 “voters have spoken” passage of the state-wide initiative supposedly meant elected officials were duty-bound to represent their constituency and allow pot to be sold locally.
Not true.
In a March 13, 2018 reply to the ruling of the same day issued by a three-judge state court of appeals, Attorney General Bob Ferguson expressed vindication.
“Today’s ruling affirms my office’s position and formal opinion. I have said from the beginning: If the Legislature or the drafters of Initiative 502 had intended to require local jurisdictions to allow the sale of recreational marijuana, they could have done so in a single sentence. They did not.”
Thus, the proper court-ordered interpretation of Washington’s marijuana law – even in cities where I-502 passed – means there is no necessity, no mandated responsibility, for councils to feel somehow conscience-bound in approving retail sale of marijuana.
I am so glad to hear that Washington courts are upholding our rights. Also, thank you to the City of Lakewood council (Mayor Anderson and all who voted against selling drugs in Lakewood) and Pierce County council (Doug Richardson and others) in maintaining the right to ban and/or strictly regulate marijuana! This ruling, which is supported by a rather liberal attorney general, helps solidify the right of local communities to decide what is best for them. We must always be vigilant to defend our God-given Constitutional rights to self-determination as individuals. This includes not only the “self-evident” Divine rights of free speech, freedom from government intrusion on religion, individual right to bear arms, equal treatment under the law, and many other rights. It also includes the freedom to regulate commerce appropriately without being forced to acquiesce to the demands of potheads and drug abusers! Thank God!
Stephen, I couldn’t say it much louder than what you just said. Right on!! For our Attorney General Bob Ferguson to say that, is the first time I applaud him in his duties. He did get this one right. Thank God!