The suits would scowl, and eventually someone with a buzz cut would lecture someone with a ponytail about studies that show marijuana was a gateway to heroin or would lead to behavior straight out of “Reefer Madness.” Most elected officials seemed intent on giving off the vibe that not only would they never dream of using marijuana, they’d disown any family member who did.
The result was always predictable: Nothing changed.
Marijuana goes mainstream
With Washington’s legalization of two kinds of marijuana, pot bill hearings this year are practically indistinguishable from most other issues in the Legislature. There were still a few ponytails among the testifiers at Thursday’s hearing, although the hair in some tails was pretty gray. There were also men and women in business suits who described their marijuana growing, processing or selling operations in terms of, well, business.
There were marijuana patients who were disabled veterans and received respectful “Thank you for your service” tributes from committee members. Committee Chairwoman Randi Becker, R-Eatonville, closed the hearing by observing many senators present were familiar with medical marijuana from using it or knowing someone who did, including her. “Not myself but my brother,” she added.
Also of note was the proliferation of marijuana-based interest groups. The pot lobby may be as big and fractured as any in Olympia. There were members of the Washington Cannabusiness Association, which represents recreational pot folks. That’s not to be confused with the Cannabis Action Coalition or the People for Medical Cannabis or Cause M or Americans for Safe Access, which represent some segment of the medical marijuana industry and sometimes take positions against those of the cannabiz folks.
Witnesses talked of marijuana tinctures and oils and butters, chemical compounds and combinations.
There was a discussion of whether to ban the smoking of dried flower buds, which sponsor Ann Rivers, R-Vancouver, initially wanted. Not because it was marijuana but because it was smoke; patients argued this was the most efficient delivery system. “Who knew people would argue smoking is actually good for you?” Rivers said later.
And no one once mentioned that Washington or Jefferson grew pot.
Who knew, indeed?