OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A bill to create licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in Washington state is advancing to the governor, even though she’s threatened to veto at least part of the measure.
The state Senate on Thursday adopted changes the House made to the bill and sent it to Gov. Chris Gregoire. Gregoire says she’s concerned that state employees who participate in a licensing dispensaries or grow sites could be subject to federal prosecution because marijuana is illegal under federal law.
Supporters note that federal authorities have not gone after state employees in other states that have licensed dispensaries.
Seattle Democrat Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles says the bill would bring dispensaries out of a legal gray area. It also would protect some medical marijuana patients from arrest.
