{{Short description|Referendum on marijuana}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2015}} {{Infobox referendum | name = Initiative 502 | country = Washington | title = '''On Marijuana Reform''' | yes = 1,724,209 | no = 1,371,235 | total = 3,095,444 | invalid= | electorate = 3,904,948 | map = {{switcher |275px|County results |275px|Congressional district results|275px|Precinct results}} | mapcaption = {{col-begin}} {{col-3}} '''Yes''' {{legend|#2B2457|90–100% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#28497C|80–90% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#47729E|70–80% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#7D9CBB|60–70% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#B6C8D9|50–60% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{col-3}} '''No''' {{legend|#32320C|90–100% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#5D5D2D|80–90% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#8B8B54|70–80% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#BCBC83|60–70% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#DEDEBD|50–60% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{col-3}} '''Other''' {{legend|#EBEEED|Tie |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#808080|No data |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{col-end}} | votes_counted = | last_update = | time_zone = | notes = Source: [https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20121106/initiative-measure-no-502-concerns-marijuana_bycounty.html] {{notelist}} }} {{ElectionsWA}} thumb|upright=1.4|Initiative 502 results by county, with number of votes shown by size, yes in orange and no in blue. '''Washington Initiative 502''' ('''I-502''') "on marijuana reform" was an initiative to the Washington State Legislature, which appeared on the November 2012 general ballot, passing by a margin of approximately 56 to 44 percent. It was submitted to the Washington Secretary of State during the summer of 2011,<ref name=SoSoWAInits2011>{{Citation | last1 = Reed | first1 = Sam | last2 = Washington State Secretary of State | title = Proposed Initiative to the Legislature – 2011 | year = 2011 | url = http://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/initiatives/Initiatives.aspx?y=2011&t=l | access-date =August 27, 2011}}</ref> enough signatures were collected and submitted by December to meet the required 241,153 signatures, sending it to the legislature.<ref name=SoSoWABlog29dec11>{{Citation | last = Zylstra | first = Brian | title = Marijuana measure petitions roll in | date = December 29, 2011 | url = http://blogs.sos.wa.gov/FromOurCorner/index.php/2011/12/marijuana-measure-petitions-roll-in/ | access-date =December 29, 2011}}</ref> When the legislature adjourned without action in April, Initiative 502 automatically advanced to the November 2012 general ballot.<ref name=Seattlepi20120221>{{Citation | last = Kaminsky | first = Jonathan | title = Initiative to legalize marijuana will go to voters | work = SeattlePI | date = February 9, 2012 | url = http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Initiative-to-legalize-marijuana-will-go-to-voters-3198647.php | access-date =February 21, 2012}}</ref> It was approved by popular vote on November 6, and took effect over the course of a year, beginning with certification no later than December 6, 2012.<ref>{{cite web | last =Martin | first =Jonathan | title =Voters agree to legalize pot | publisher =Seattle Times | date =November 6, 2012 | url =http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2012/11/06/marijuana-legalization-takes-commanding-lead/ | access-date =November 6, 2012 | archive-date =November 9, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121109134400/http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2012/11/06/marijuana-legalization-takes-commanding-lead/ | url-status =dead }}</ref> Along with a similar Colorado measure, Initiative 502 was credited for encouraging voter turnout of 81%, the highest in the nation.<ref>{{cite web | last = Reed | first = Sam | title =Gregoire & Reed certify 2012 election, including marriage & marijuana laws | work =News Release | publisher =Washington State Secretary of State | date =December 5, 2012 | url =http://www.sos.wa.gov/office/osos_news.aspx?i=H6P9WeC8mCTWdBX6gjyyMw%3D%3D | access-date = December 7, 2012}}</ref>
Initiative 502 defined and legalized small amounts of marijuana-related products for adults 21 and over, taxes them and designates the revenue for healthcare and substance-abuse prevention and education. As noted at RCW 69.50.101, cannabis is still classified as a schedule I controlled substance under federal law and subject to federal prosecution under the doctrine of dual sovereignty. Possession by anyone younger than 21, possession of larger amounts, and the growing of unlicensed or unregulated marijuana remains illegal under state law.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}}
== Ballot measure summary ==
As it is described by the Secretary of State's office, the measure shall "license and regulate marijuana production, distribution, and possession for persons over twenty-one; remove state-law criminal and civil penalties for activities that it authorizes; tax marijuana sales; and earmark marijuana-related revenues."
<blockquote>This measure removes state-law prohibitions against producing, processing, and selling marijuana, subject to licensing and regulation by the liquor control board; allow limited possession of marijuana by persons aged twenty-one and over; and impose 25% excise taxes on wholesale and retail sales of marijuana, earmarking revenue for purposes that include substance-abuse prevention, research, education, and healthcare. Laws prohibiting driving under the influence would be amended to include maximum thresholds for THC blood concentration.<ref name=AGtitlememo>{{Cite web | last = McKenna | first = Rob | title = Re: Initiative No. 502 | publisher = Attorney General of Washington | date = July 15, 2011 | url = http://newapproachwa.org/sites/newapproachwa.org/files/I-502%20%28marijuana%29%20BT%20and%20Summary.pdf | access-date =August 27, 2011}}</ref></blockquote>
==Provisions== After approval, Initiative 502 implements over a period of a year or more. Legal possession and DUI limits went into effect on December 9, 2012, and the state had until December 1, 2013, to establish other key rules.<ref>{{cite web | title =Fact Sheet: Initiative 502's impact on the Washington State Liquor Control Board | publisher =Washington State Liquor Control Board | year =2012 | url =http://www.liq.wa.gov/publications/Marijuana/I-502/Fact-Sheet-I502-11-7-12.pdf | access-date = November 9, 2012}}</ref> Until rules were established and licenses issued, retail sales to the general public were not allowed. Such businesses must be located 1,000 feet or further from public schools, and public use of marijuana became a civil infraction.<ref>{{cite web | title =I-502 – Washington's New Marijuana Regulation Law Frequently Asked Questions | publisher =ACLU of Washington | date =November 7, 2012 | url =http://www.aclu-wa.org/sites/default/files/attachments/Marijuana%20I-502%20FAQs%20-%20110712.pdf | access-date = November 9, 2012}}</ref>
The initiative legalized use of marijuana products for adults 21 and over and focus law enforcement resources on DUI prosecution as well as violent and property crimes. Personal "grows" in one's own home, except for medical cannabis as regulated under RCW 69.51A, will remain a Class C felony.
Part I identifies the goal of the initiative and authorizes the Washington State Liquor Control Board (now named the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board) "to regulate and tax marijuana for persons twenty-one years of age and older, and add a new threshold for driving under the influence of marijuana."
Part II establishes various definitions, including one which distinguishes "marijuana" from hemp and other parts of the cannabis plant based on its THC content.
Part III establishes a license system for marijuana producers, processors, and retailers. Initial licenses shall be $250 with an annual renewal fee of $1000. Rules prohibit producers and processors from having any financial interest in retailers, much like the three-tier system for hard liquor in control states. This section also makes it clear that selling or distributing unlicensed marijuana remains illegal, setting limits on the maximum amount one may possess. Adults 21 years or older may possess up to "one ounce of useable marijuana", 16 ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form, 72 ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form or "any combination" of all three. The part also authorizes Liquor Enforcement Officers of the Washington State Liquor Control Board to enforce RCW 69.50, the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Previous to this Liquor Enforcement Officers could only enforce alcohol and tobacco laws.
thumb|right|750px|Washington Initiative 502 Section 28 earmarks revenue generated by the law at specific cost amounts for administration of the program. While any and all remaining funds generated over initial costs is to be divided over general public health, drug-abuse treatment, drug-abuse prevention, marijuana research and local research facilities, specifically University of Washington & Washington State University.
Part IV establishes a "dedicated marijuana fund" for all revenue received by the liquor control board, and explicitly earmarks any surplus from this new revenue for health care (55%), drug abuse treatment and education (25%), with 1% for marijuana-related research at University of Washington and Washington State University, most of the remainder going to the state general fund. A March 2012 analysis by the state Office of Financial Management estimated annual revenues above $560 million for the first full year, rising thereafter.<ref>{{cite web | last = Martin | first = Jonathan | title = State: Potential I-502 pot revenue double what supporters predict | publisher = The Seattle Times | date = March 21, 2012 | url = http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017810760_marijuana22m.html | access-date =March 24, 2012}}</ref> February 2011 analysis of the similar Washington House Bill 1550 estimated annual state and county law-enforcement savings of approximately $22 million.<ref name=firedoglake>{{Cite web | last = Jon | first = Walker | title = Official Washington State Analysis: Marijuana Legalization Would Add Hundreds of Millions to State Coffers | publisher = Fire Dog Lake | date = February 23, 2011 | url = http://justsaynow.firedoglake.com/2011/02/23/official-washington-state-analysis-marijuana-legalization-would-add-hundreds-of-millions-to-state-coffers/ | access-date =August 27, 2011}}</ref><ref name=HoldenLegalizeIt>{{Cite news | last = Holden | first = Dominic | title = Legalize It: A Smart New Initiative Makes Washington State Ground Zero in the National Fight to End Marijuana Prohibition | location = Seattle, Washington | newspaper = The Stranger | date = June 21, 2011 | url = http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/legalize-it/Content?oid=8743947 | access-date =August 27, 2011}}</ref> OFM's final, official analysis did not include law-enforcement savings, but estimated five-year revenues at approximately $1.9 billion from an assumed retail price of $12 per gram.<ref>{{cite web | last =Johnson | first =Gene | title =Wash.: Legal pot could bring in $2B over 5 years | publisher =Seattle Post-Intelligencer | date =August 10, 2012 | url =http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Wash-Legal-pot-could-bring-in-2B-over-5-years-3779644.php | access-date =August 10, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Holden | first =Dominic | title =WA Pot Initiative Could Generate $1.9 Billion in Revenue Over Five Years | publisher =The Stranger | date =August 10, 2012 | url =http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/08/10/i-502-could-generate-19-billion-in-state-revenue-over-five-years | access-date =August 10, 2012 | archive-date =August 13, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120813004352/http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/08/10/i-502-could-generate-19-billion-in-state-revenue-over-five-years | url-status =dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title =OFM Fiscal Impact Statement (I-502) | publisher =Washington State Office of Financial Management | date =August 10, 2012 | url =http://www.ofm.wa.gov/initiatives/2012/502_fiscal_impact.pdf | access-date =August 10, 2012 | archive-date =November 11, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121111220103/http://www.ofm.wa.gov/initiatives/2012/502_fiscal_impact.pdf | url-status =dead }}</ref> Proponents of I-502 have posted a pie chart showing annual dollar-per-purpose earmarks, based on these projections.<ref>{{cite web | title =What could $582,000,000 every year do? | publisher =New Approach Washington | date =September 2012 | url =http://www.newapproachwa.org/content/what-could-560000000-every-year-do | access-date = September 26, 2012}}</ref>
Part V on "driving under the influence of marijuana" sets a per se DUI limit of "delta-9" THC levels at greater than or equal to 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood (5 ng/mL). Some medical cannabis advocates are concerned that this will lead to DUI convictions for medicinal cannabis users, who are driving with blood THC levels greater than or equal to 5 nanograms per milliliter.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Jonathon|title=DUI Controversy|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2016692172_marijuana05m.html|work=Pro-pot campaign gets big names, deep pockets|publisher=Seattle Times|access-date=November 11, 2011}}</ref> "The metabolite THC-COOH, also known as carboxy-THC" is explicitly excluded from consideration.
==Sponsors==
Registered sponsors for the measure included John McKay, former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington; Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes; Kim Marie Thorburn, M.D. and M.P.H., former director of the Spokane Regional Health District; and travel writer Rick Steves.<ref name=SoSoWAInits2011 />
Other sponsors included state representative for the 36th district Mary Lou Dickerson; immediate past president of the Washington State Bar Association Salvador A. Mungia; past president of the Washington State Bar Association Mark Johnson; Robert W. Wood, M.D., former director of the HIV/AIDS Program at the Seattle-King County public health department; University of Washington School of Social Work professor emeritus Roger Roffman, D.S.W., and Alison Holcomb, campaign director for New Approach Washington, "on loan from" the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington.<ref name=NWA22jun11>{{Cite web | title = New Approach Washington Files Initiative to Legalize, Tax, and Regulate Marijuana Sponsors Include Civic, Public Health, Legal Community Leaders | publisher = New Approach Washington | date = June 22, 2011 | url = http://www.newapproachwa.org/sites/newapproachwa.ngphost.com/files/New_Approach_Press_Release_-_062111_FINAL.pdf | access-date =August 27, 2011}}</ref> <ref name=NAWsponsors>{{Cite web | title = Sponsors | publisher = New Approach Washington | url = http://newapproachwa.org/content/sponsors | access-date =August 27, 2011}}</ref>
==Support and opposition==
As per RCW 42.17A on "campaign disclosure and contribution", the Washington state Public Disclosure Commission posts campaign information online, including information for referendums and initiatives.<ref>{{cite web | title =Continuing Political Committees | publisher =Public Disclosure Commission | year =2012 | url =http://www.pdc.wa.gov/MvcViewReports/Committee/initiative_committees | access-date =August 22, 2012 | archive-date =September 7, 2013 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130907101724/http://www.pdc.wa.gov/MvcViewReports/Committee/initiative_committees | url-status =dead }}</ref> Statements for and against each ballot measure are also available online as part of the official online voter's guide.<ref>{{cite web | title =Online Voter's Guide | publisher =Washington State Secretary of State | year =2012 | url =https://wei.sos.wa.gov/agency/osos/en/press_and_research/PreviousElections/2012/General-Election/Pages/Online-Voters-Guide.aspx | access-date =September 10, 2012 | archive-date =March 29, 2013 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130329073820/https://wei.sos.wa.gov/agency/osos/en/press_and_research/PreviousElections/2012/General-Election/Pages/Online-Voters-Guide.aspx | url-status =dead }}</ref> Many groups which might traditionally be expected to take a stance on the issue have been silent, including business, education, law-enforcement, and drug treatment organizations.<ref>{{cite web | last =Martin | first =Jonathan | title =Little organized opposition to marijuana-legalization initiative | publisher =The Seattle Times | date =October 5, 2012 | url =http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2019346110_i502opposition05m.html | access-date = October 5, 2012}}</ref>
===Support=== Early supporters of the measure included Dominic Holden of ''The Stranger''.<ref name=HoldenLegalizeIt /> In September, the Washington State Democratic Central Committee endorsed I-502 by a vote of 75 in favor and 43 opposed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2011/09/18/state-dems-legalize-marijuana/ |title=State Dems: Legalize marijuana | last = Connelly | first = Joel |date=September 17, 2011 |work=seattlepi.com}}</ref> Eastern Washington's The Spokesman-Review endorsed I-502 from December 2011 as part of a broader call for legalization and federal reclassification of cannabis under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/dec/28/editorial-i-502-offers-smart-path-to-marijuana/ |title=I-502 offers smart path to marijuana legalization | author=Spokesman-Review Editorial Board |date=December 28, 2011 |work=Spokesman.com}}</ref> Other supporters include a variety of current legislators, organizations, former judges, law enforcement personnel, prosecutors and elected officials such as Jolene Unsoeld.<ref>{{cite web | title = Endorsements | publisher = New Approach Washington | url =http://www.newapproachwa.org/content/endorsements-0 | access-date =March 10, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title =Sixteen state lawmakers endorse initiative to legalize marijuana | publisher =Bainbridge Island Review | date =May 2, 2012 | url =http://www.bainbridgereview.com/news/149857055.html | access-date = May 2, 2012}}</ref> The mayor and entire city council of Seattle support I-502,<ref>{{cite web | last =Ellison | first =Jake | title =State of the City, Seattle mayor: Legalize marijuana so we can stop crime | publisher =KPLU-FM | date =February 21, 2012 | url =http://www.kplu.org/post/seattle-mayor-legalize-marijuana-so-we-can-stop-crime | access-date =July 22, 2012 | archive-date =May 12, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120512014709/http://kplu.org/post/seattle-mayor-legalize-marijuana-so-we-can-stop-crime | url-status =dead }}</ref> as does the King County sheriff.<ref>{{cite web | last =Martin | first =Jonathan | title =$1 million more for marijuana legalization campaign — and support from King County sheriff | work =Politics Northwest blog | publisher =The Seattle Times | date =October 1, 2012 | url =http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2012/10/01/1-million-more-and-support-from-king-county-sheriff-for-pot-legalization-campaign/ | access-date = October 2, 2012}}</ref> Former narcotics deputy and candidate for King County sheriff John Urquhart, saying "the war on drugs has been an abject failure".<ref>{{cite web | last =Young | first =Bob | title =Longtime sergeant Urquhart joins race for King County sheriff | publisher =The Seattle Times | date =April 24, 2012 | url =http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018061982_sheriffrace25m.html | access-date = April 25, 2012}}</ref> Noting the disproportionate impact of marijuana arrests and incarceration on families and racial minorities, the Children's Alliance,<ref>{{cite web | title =Vote YES on Initiative 502: A New Approach to Marijuana | publisher =Children's Alliance of Washington | date =September 10, 2012 | url =http://www.childrensalliance.org/resource-center/vote-yes-initiative-502-new-approach-marijuana | access-date =October 5, 2012 | archive-date =October 21, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121021063514/http://www.childrensalliance.org/resource-center/vote-yes-initiative-502-new-approach-marijuana | url-status =dead }}</ref> NAACP and various African-American pastors have also endorsed I-502.<ref>{{cite web | last =Shapiro | first =Nina | title =Black Pastors Endorse I-502 Despite Controversy in African American Community | publisher =Seattle Weekly | date =June 14, 2012 | url =http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2012/06/black_pastors_endorse_i-502_fr.php | access-date =June 18, 2012 | archive-date =June 17, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120617035519/http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2012/06/black_pastors_endorse_i-502_fr.php | url-status =dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title =Northwest NAACP Calls on Faith Leaders to Support Cannabis Tax Act | publisher =The Skanner | date =August 10, 2012 | url =http://www.theskanner.com/article/Northwest-NAACP-Calls-on-Faith-Leaders-to-Support-Cannabis-Tax-Act-2012-08-10 | access-date = August 24, 2012}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web | title =NAACP Endorses WA's Marijuana Initiative | publisher =Snohomish Times | date =August 27, 2012 | url =http://www.snohomishtimes.com/snohomishNEWS.cfm?inc=story&newsID=2503 | access-date = August 31, 2012}}</ref>
Early national support for the measure comes from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)<ref>{{cite web | last = St. Pierre | first =Allen | title =Endorsed: NORML Supports Marijuana Legalization Initiative in Washington State | work = blog.norml.org | publisher = NORML Board of Directors | date = February 17, 2012 | url =http://blog.norml.org/2012/02/17/endorsed-norml-supports-marijuana-legalization-initiative-in-washington-state/ | access-date =March 9, 2012 }}</ref> and television evangelist Pat Robertson.<ref>{{cite news | last =McKinley | first =Jesse | title =Pat Robertson Says Marijuana Use Should be Legal | newspaper =The New York Times | pages =A14 | date =March 8, 2012 | url =https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/08/us/pat-robertson-backs-legalizing-marijuana.html?_r=2 | access-date =March 9, 2012 }}</ref> Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) has also endorsed the measure, including prominent LEAP spokesman and former Seattle police chief Norm Stamper<ref>{{cite web | last =Vestal | first =Shawn | title =Hard to rationalize pot prohibition | publisher =The Spokesman Review | date =March 24, 2012 | url =http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/mar/24/hard-to-rationalize-pot-prohibition/ | access-date =March 24, 2012}}</ref> and other law enforcement officials.<ref>{{cite web | title =Cops and Judges Endorse Washington's Marijuana Legalization Initiative | publisher = Law Enforcement Against Prohibition | date =March 21, 2012 | url =https://copssaylegalize.blogspot.com/2012/03/cops-and-judges-endorse-washingtons.html | access-date =March 24, 2012}}</ref> The initiative has also been endorsed by former governor of New Mexico, Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson,<ref>{{cite web | last =Martin | first =Jonathan | title =Libertarian Presidential Candidate Endorses Washington Marijuana Legalization | publisher =The Seattle Times | date =March 19, 2012 | url =http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/gary-johnson-in-the-seattle-times | access-date =May 4, 2012 | archive-date =April 14, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120414192003/http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/gary-johnson-in-the-seattle-times | url-status =dead }}</ref> and cannabis-reform advocate Marc Emery.<ref>{{cite web | last =Shapiro | first =Nina | title =Prince of Pot Marc Emery Endorses I-502, Says Initiative's Critics Are 'Jealous' | publisher =Seattle Weekly | date =May 1, 2012 | url =http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2012/05/marc_emery_endorses_i-502_prin.php | access-date =June 18, 2012 | archive-date =June 21, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120621220221/http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2012/05/marc_emery_endorses_i-502_prin.php | url-status =dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Elliott | first =Steve | title =Emery Endorses I-502; Calls Opposition Foolish and Dangerous | publisher =Toke of the Town | date =April 30, 2012 | url =http://www.tokeofthetown.com/2012/04/emery_endorses_i-502_calls_opposition_foolish_and.php | access-date =June 18, 2012 }}</ref>
The primary group supporting I-502 is New Approach Washington, which maintains an updated list of official endorsements on its website.<ref>{{cite web | title =Endorsements | publisher =New Approach Washington | year =2012 | url =http://www.newapproachwa.org/content/502-endorsements | access-date = September 8, 2012}}</ref> In July 2012, major donations of financial support were given by the Drug Policy Alliance, Peter Lewis of Progressive Insurance and the American Civil Liberties Union.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Jonathan|title=Marijuana initiative gets $1.25 million in new donations|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018749612_marijuana23m.html|publisher=The Seattle Times|access-date=July 23, 2012|date=July 22, 2012}}</ref> Although the Drug Policy Alliance opposed the measure's ban on home grow and drug testing requirement, the non-profit nonetheless financially backed the effort. Ethan Nadelmann, founder and Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance at the time, said in a 2015 speech:<blockquote>"It was a chance to pop a hole in prohibition nationally. And the situation presented itself: if I put up about a third of the money or so for Washington state, not withstanding my reservations, that would leverage Peter Lewis and the in-state donors and enable a campaign of five or six million dollars to win that thing. And what I said is 'Yes.' I'm going to put that money in there because...we could pop a hole in prohibition because that was going to resonate across the country, lay the ground work for California and other states and have an even international impact."<ref>{{Citation |title=Ethan Nadelmann ICBC San Francisco 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVfj2zs8kZY |language=en |access-date=2022-07-07}}. 25:30 - 25:55.</ref></blockquote>Newspapers endorsing I-502 in the weeks immediately prior to the election include ''The Seattle Times'',<ref>{{cite web | author=Editorial Board | title =Editorial: Approve Initiative 502 — It's time to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana | publisher =Seattle Times | date =September 22, 2012 | url =http://seattletimes.com/html/editorials/2019226555_editmarijuanainitiative502xml.html | access-date = September 24, 2012}}</ref> ''The Spokesman-Review'',<ref>{{cite web | author=Editorial Board | title =Editorial: Regulation, taxation of marijuana worth a try | publisher =The Spokesman-Review | date =October 2, 2012 | url =http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/oct/02/editorial-regulation-taxation-of-marijuana-worth/ | access-date = October 2, 2012}}</ref> ''The Columbian'',<ref>{{cite web | author=Editorial Board | title =In Our View: Legalizing & Taxing Marijuana Endorsed | publisher =The Columbian | date =September 30, 2012 | url =http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/sep/30/legalize-tax-marijuana-endorsement/ | access-date = September 30, 2012}}</ref> ''The Olympian'',<ref>{{cite web | author=Editorial Board | title =Initiative is a step toward making sense of marijuana laws | publisher =The Olympian | date =September 23, 2012 | url =http://www.theolympian.com/2012/09/23/2260887/initiative-is-a-step-toward-making.html | access-date = September 24, 2012}}</ref> and ''The Wenatchee World''.<ref>{{cite web | author=Wenatchee World Editorial Board | title =Prohibition still fails; yes on I-502 | publisher =The Wenatchee World | date =October 20, 2012 | url =http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2012/oct/20/prohibition-still-fails-yes-on-i-502/ | access-date = October 22, 2012}}</ref>
===Opposition===
Public and formal opposition was not well organized and mostly came from advocates of medical cannabis, who objected to "Part V: Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana".<ref>{{cite web | last =Holden | first =Dominic | title =Pot Activists vs. Pot Activists | publisher =The Stranger | date =March 6, 2012 | url =http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/pot-activists-vs-pot-activists/Content?oid=12927887 | access-date = August 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Shapiro | first =Nina | title =Marijuana Legalization Initiative 502 Coasts to Decisive Victory | publisher =Seattle Weekly | date =December 6, 2012 | url =http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2012/11/marijuana_legalization_initati.php | access-date =November 6, 2012 | archive-date =November 9, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121109180333/http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2012/11/marijuana_legalization_initati.php | url-status =dead }}</ref> A key spokesperson was Steve Sarich, whom an Esquire blog has called one of the "great marijuana prohibitionists of 2012."<ref>{{cite web | last =Richardson | first =John A. | title =Introducing the Great Marijuana Prohibitionists of 2012 | work =The Politics Blog | publisher =Esquire | date =November 2, 2012 | url =http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/marijuana-legalization-2012-election-14328581 | access-date = November 3, 2012}}</ref> A Facebook group, ''Patients Against New Approach Washington (PANAW)'' began vocal opposition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.facebook.com/PatientsAgainstNAW/ |title=Patients Against New Approach Washington, Facebook Page|website=Facebook}}</ref> A letter was sent to I-502 sponsors by Richard Bayer, MD; lawyers David Arganian and Jeffrey Steinborn; Gil Mobley, MD; Vivian McPeak, Executive Director of Seattle Hempfest; and Ric Smith, who has been a prominent patient advocate since 1996, arguing that I-502's DUIC language was unnecessary, unscientific, and unfair.<ref>Bayer, Richard MD.; Arganian, David; Steinborn Esq., Jeffrey; Mobley MD, Gil; Letter to I-502 Sponsors. September 23, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2011 at: {{cite web |url=http://www.nooni502.org/sponsors|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120315060121/http://www.nooni502.org/sponsors|url-status=usurped|archive-date=March 15, 2012|title=Letter to I-502 Sponsors}}</ref> Dominic Holden, of ''The Stranger'', disagreed with this criticism, citing the same 2009 study from the National Institutes of Health opponents to 502 had referenced.<ref>{{cite web | last =Holden | first =Dominic | title =Sorry, Medical Marijuana Activists, Your Study Doesn't Prove that I-502 Will Nab Sober Drivers for DUIs | publisher = The Stranger | date = February 24, 2012 | url =http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/02/24/sorry-medical-marijuana-activists-your-study-doesnt-prove-that-i-502-will-nab-sober-drivers-for-duis | access-date =March 9, 2012}}</ref> The board of directors for NORML acknowledged this criticism<ref>{{cite web | last = St. Pierre | first =Allen | title = NORML's Official Reply To Patients Against I-502 | work = NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform | publisher = Executive Director, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws | date = February 24, 2012 | url = http://blog.norml.org/2012/02/24/normls-official-reply-to-patients-against-i-502/ | access-date =March 18, 2012}}</ref> but opined that the law is a step in the right direction, even with the provision. At least one NORML blogger labelled them "patients against pragmatism".<ref>{{cite web | last = Belville | first = "Radical" Russ | title = "Radical" Russ debunks the idea that second-hand pot smoke could cause a DUID | work = The Stash (blog) | publisher = NORML | date = February 28, 2012 | url = http://stash.norml.org/radical-russ-debunks-the-idea-that-second-hand-pot-smoke-could-cause-a-duid | access-date = February 28, 2012 | archive-date = March 3, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120303010137/http://stash.norml.org/radical-russ-debunks-the-idea-that-second-hand-pot-smoke-could-cause-a-duid | url-status = dead }}</ref> Some suppliers of medical marijuana are also worried that if the initiative becomes law their thriving businesses could be disrupted.<ref>{{cite web | last =Holden | first =Dominic | title =High-pocrisy: The Campaign to Kill a Pot Legalization Initiative Is Led by the Biggest Pot Smokers of All | publisher =The Stranger | date =October 25, 2011 | url =http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/high-pocrisy/Content?oid=10480419 | access-date =March 25, 2012}}</ref><ref name=PSBJ20120212> {{Citation | last = Bauman | first = Valerie | title = Medical dispensaries fighting pot legalization | work = Puget Sound Business Journal | date = February 12, 2012 | url = http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/print-edition/2012/02/17/medical-dispensaries-fighting-pot.html | access-date =February 22, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last = Holden | first = Dominic | title =Anti-Pot Campaign to Be Funded by Doctors, Lawyers, and Maybe Medical Pot Dispensaries | publisher = The Stranger | date = February 13, 2012 | url =http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/02/23/anti-pot-campaign-to-be-funded-by-doctors-lawyers-and-maybe-medical-pot-dispensaries | access-date =March 9, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Citation | last =Holden | first =Dominic | title =Smokeless in Seattle | newspaper =The New York Times | pages =A31 | date =April 13, 2012 | url =https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/13/opinion/smokeless-in-seattle.html | access-date =April 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author =Bellingham Herald Editorial Board | title =I-502 has flushed out the medical cannabis industry | publisher =Bellingham Herald | date =September 9, 2012 | url =http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/09/09/2682424/i-502-has-flushed-out-the-medical.html | archive-url =https://archive.today/20130118131236/http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/09/09/2682424/i-502-has-flushed-out-the-medical.html | url-status =dead | archive-date =January 18, 2013 | access-date =September 9, 2012 }}</ref>
Other opponents included the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.<ref name=WASPCnov2011>{{Citation | last = Martin | first = Jonathan | title = Pot measure is tough sell at cop conference | work = Seattle Times | date = November 16, 2011 | url = http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2016784405_mckay17m.html | access-date =December 29, 2011}}</ref> and the Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention.<ref>{{cite web | last =Rhodes | first =Jeff | title =I-502 gains expected opposition, surprising ally | work =The Olympia Report | publisher =Freedom Foundation | date =September 11, 2012 | url =http://theolympiareport.com/i-502-gains-expected-opposition-surprising-ally-this-week/ | access-date = October 5, 2012}}</ref> Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza said Asian and motorcycle gangs currently control "marijuana distribution and sales" and that the initiative would likely lead to more traffic fatalities and organized crime.<ref name=KNDOTV23-20120209>{{Citation | last = Schaub | first = Kevin | title = Law enforcement opposes initiative 502 | work = KNDO-TV 23 | date = February 9, 2012 | url = http://www.kndo.com/story/16899558/law-enforcement-opposes-initiative-502 | access-date =February 21, 2012}}</ref> Then-governor Christine Gregoire opposed I-502, citing concerns about federal opposition.<ref>{{cite web | last =Cerna | first =Enrique | title =Ask the Governor | publisher =KCTS-TV | date =February 21, 2012 | url =http://kcts9.org/ask-the-governor | access-date =July 24, 2012 | archive-date =May 28, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120528220033/http://kcts9.org/ask-the-governor | url-status =dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Williams | first =June | title =City Ban on Pot Gardens Upheld in Washington State | publisher =WCI | date =April 7, 2014 | url =http://www.wci360.com/news/article/city-ban-on-pot-gardens-upheld-in-washington-state | access-date =July 5, 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Both major candidates for governor in the 2012 election also went on record in opposition, with Jay Inslee following Rob McKenna, both citing concerns for users of medical cannabis.<ref>{{cite web | last =Connely | first =Joel | title =Inslee: No to marijuana legalization initiative | work =Strange Bedfellows Blog | publisher =Seattle Post Intelligencer | date =March 23, 2012 | url =http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2012/03/23/inslee-no-to-marijuana-legalization-initiative/ | access-date =March 29, 2012 }}</ref>
Safe Access Washington, "a trade organization on behalf of medical cannabis", briefly formed and opposed I-502 before disbanding.<ref>{{cite web | last =Johnson | first =Gene | title =Spokesman for pot group fired at own news conference | publisher =Seattle Times | date =August 14, 2012 | url =http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2018917744_marijuana15.html | access-date = September 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Driscoll | first =Matt | title =UPDATED: Safe Access Alliance Dissolves, a Day After MMJ Group's Disastrous Press Conference | work =The Daily Weekly | publisher =Seattle Weekly | date =August 16, 2012 | url =http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2012/08/safe_access_alliance_officiall.php | access-date =September 3, 2012 | archive-date =August 19, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120819062702/http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2012/08/safe_access_alliance_officiall.php | url-status =dead }}</ref> The group Sensible Washington, sponsor of an earlier, abortive attempt at legalization in Washington, has also criticized I-502 in a seven-part series on their web page.<ref>{{cite web | title =Deconstructing I-502, Part 7: Hemp Halfway Home | url =https://sensiblewashington.org/blog/sensiblewa/deconstructing-i-502-part-7-hemp-halfway-home/ | archive-url =https://archive.today/20121228103054/https://sensiblewashington.org/blog/sensiblewa/deconstructing-i-502-part-7-hemp-halfway-home/ | url-status =dead | archive-date =December 28, 2012 | date =March 23, 2012 | access-date =April 15, 2012 }}</ref> On July 31, 2012, Sensible Washington announced its intent to "actually repeal prohibition" with a new Initiative drive in 2013, regardless of I-502's election outcome, noting in its press release that cannabis will remain a Schedule I drug under I-502, "which we're not comfortable with and will work towards correcting."<ref name="sensible2013">{{cite web | url=http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2012/07/sensible_washington_gets_an_ea.php | title=Sensible Washington Gets Early Start on 2013 Initiative Effort to End Pot Prohibition | publisher=Seattle Weekly | work=The Daily Weekly | date=July 31, 2012 | access-date=July 31, 2012 | last=Driscoll | first=Matt | archive-date=August 3, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803021730/http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/dailyweekly/2012/07/sensible_washington_gets_an_ea.php | url-status=dead }}</ref> Opposition from Sensible Washington and others was strong enough that Seattle Hempfest chose neither to support nor endorse the measure,<ref>{{cite web | last =Heffter | first =Emily | title =Even at Hempfest, no consensus on legalizing pot in Washington | publisher =Seattle Times | date =August 16, 2012 | url =http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2018934363_hempfest17m.html | access-date = August 19, 2012}}</ref> a decision which one proponent called "dead wrong" and "ridiculous",<ref>{{cite web | last =Holden | first =Dominic | title =Hempfest Is Happening Right Now—but They're Not Trying to Legalize Pot | work = The Slog | publisher =The Stranger | date =August 17, 2012 | url =http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/08/17/hempfest-is-happening-right-nowbut-theyre-not-trying-to-legalize-pot | access-date = August 19, 2012}}</ref> and which prompted an official ''Seattle Times'' injunction to "get real".<ref>{{cite web | author=Seattle Times Editorial Board | title =Get real about initiative to legalize marijuana | work =Seattle Times Editorial | publisher =Seattle Times | date =August 20, 2012 | url =http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorials/2018941436_editmarijuanalegalizationxml.html | access-date = August 20, 2012}}</ref>
''No on I-502'' was the primary group opposing Initiative 502. Their website denounced what they described as I-502's "new approach to prohibition", and describes how the DUID provisions of I-502 may actually increase the potential penalty for marijuana use, and lead to a new era in the war on drugs under color of DUID prosecutions, as part of what they describe as a nationwide strategy to move war on drugs from the current focus on sales and possession to a new and more ominous offensive on drivers via new per se DUID laws like I-502.
The ''Walla Walla Union-Bulletin'' was the first newspaper to oppose I-502.<ref>{{cite web | author =Editorial Board | title =Don't make marijuana legal in state | publisher =Walla Walla Union-Bulletin | date =September 11, 2012 | url =http://union-bulletin.com/news/2012/sep/10/dont-make-marijuana-legal-state/ | access-date =September 15, 2012 | archive-date =September 13, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120913003333/http://union-bulletin.com/news/2012/sep/10/dont-make-marijuana-legal-state/ | url-status =dead }}</ref> It was joined by the ''Tri-City Herald''.<ref>{{cite web | author =Editorial Board | title =Reject marijuana initiative | publisher =Tri-City Herald | date =October 22, 2012 | url =http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/10/22/2141860/reject-marijuana-initiative.html | archive-url =https://archive.today/20130204154033/http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2012/10/22/2141860/reject-marijuana-initiative.html | url-status =dead | archive-date =February 4, 2013 | access-date =October 22, 2012 }}</ref>
== Results ==
Final election returns showed I-502 passing with 55.7% of 3,095,444 votes.<ref name="The state of Washington">{{cite web | url = http://vote.wa.gov/results/20121106/Initiative-Measure-No-502-Concerns-marijuana.html | title = November 6, 2012 General Election Results. | publisher = The state of Washington | date = September 3, 2013 }}</ref> Immediately following this, ''The Oregonian'' called for the Oregon legislature to follow suit with a similar bill,<ref>{{cite web | author=Oregonian Editorial Board | title =Oregon lawmakers should take up marijuana legalization | publisher = The Oregonian | date =November 7, 2012 | url =http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/11/oregon_lawmakers_should_take_u.html | access-date = November 8, 2012}}</ref> and the incoming Mexican administration announced that it would reconsider its previous opposition to legalization.<ref>{{cite web | author=CBS News | title =Mexico's new gov to review pot fight after US vote | work =CBS News | date =November 8, 2012 | url =http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57546871/mexicos-new-gov-to-review-pot-fight-after-us-vote/ | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121113044703/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57546871/mexicos-new-gov-to-review-pot-fight-after-us-vote | url-status =dead | archive-date =November 13, 2012 | access-date = November 8, 2012}}</ref> State agencies charged with regulating new marijuana businesses received over 300 inquiries the next day.<ref>{{cite web | last =Boone | first =Rolf | title =Inquiries about pot production, sale flood two state agencies | publisher =The Olympian | date =November 9, 2012 | url =http://www.theolympian.com/2012/11/08/2312929/inquiries-about-pot-production.html | access-date = November 9, 2012}}</ref> Law enforcement began to respond, with the Seattle Police Department publishing a guide to legal marijuana use in Seattle<ref>{{cite web | last =Spangenthal-Lee | first =Jonah | title =Marijwhatnow? A Guide to Legal Marijuana Use In Seattle | work =SPD Blotter | publisher =Seattle Police Department | date =November 9, 2012 | url =http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2012/11/09/marijwhatnow-a-guide-to-legal-marijuana-use-in-seattle/ | access-date = November 9, 2012}}</ref> as prosecutors in King and Pierce county quickly decided to drop all misdemeanor cases of marijuana possession, with other non-federal jurisdictions also de-emphasizing arrests for less than 40 grams.<ref>{{cite web | last =Martin | first =Jonathan | title =220 marijuana cases dismissed in King, Pierce counties | publisher =Seattle Times | date =November 9, 2012 | url =http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2012/11/09/175-marijuana-prosecutions-in-king-county-dismissed-because-of-initiative-502/ | access-date = November 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title =NORTH OLYMPIC PENINSULA — Pot enforcement put on hold for small amounts — except on federal lands | publisher =Peninsula Daily News | date =November 10, 2012 | url =http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20121111/NEWS/311119983/north-olympic-peninsula-8212-pot-enforcement-put-on-hold-for-small | access-date = November 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =McVicker | first =Laura | title =Some local misdemeanor marijuana cases to be dismissed: Passage of state's legalization law prompts plan by county prosecutor | publisher =The Columbian, p. A1 | date = November 13, 2012 | url =http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/nov/12/misdemeanor-marijuana-cases-to-be-dismissed/ | access-date = November 13, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Clouse | first =Thomas | title =Spokane County won't take legal action on pot cases | publisher =The Spokesman-Review | date =November 15, 2012 | url =http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/nov/15/spokane-county-wont-take-legal-action-on-pot-cases/ | access-date = November 15, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Spears | first =Michael | title =Yakima prosecutors to throw out pending marijuana cases | publisher =KIMA-TV | date =November 15, 2012 | url =http://www.kimatv.com/home/video/Yakima-readies-to-dismiss-pending-marijuana-cases-179589371.html | access-date =November 15, 2012 | archive-date =November 20, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121120011222/http://www.kimatv.com/home/video/Yakima-readies-to-dismiss-pending-marijuana-cases-179589371.html | url-status =dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Stephenson | first =Megan | title =County drops 60 pot cases | publisher =North Kitsap Herald | date =November 29, 2012 | url =http://www.northkitsapherald.com/news/181454501.html | access-date = November 30, 2012}}</ref>
Governor Christine Gregoire explicitly met with United States Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole to discuss details of implementation after passage of the measure,<ref>{{cite web | last =Ramsey | first =Bruce | title =Gregoire asks Justice Department about marijuana | work =Ed cetera blog | publisher =Seattle Times | date =November 14, 2012 | url =http://seattletimes.com/html/edcetera/2019678686_gregoire_asks_justice_departme.html | access-date = November 15, 2012}}</ref> and governor-elect Jay Inslee has committed himself to being "fully supportive of protecting, defending, and implementing the will of the voter."<ref>{{cite web | last =Feit | first =Josh | title =Inslee on pot | publisher =Seattle Met | date =November 14, 2012 | url =http://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-profiles/publicola/this-washington/articles/inslee-on-pot | access-date = November 15, 2012}}</ref>
Passage of 502 drew attention from outside the state, eliciting various commentary. The president of the International Narcotics Control Board spoke out against Initiative 502 as a clear violation of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, urging US officials to strongly oppose legalization of non-medical marijuana.<ref>{{cite web | last =Newman | first =Raechelle | title =INCB President voices concern about the outcome of recent referenda about non-medical use of cannabis in the United States in a number of states | work =Press release | publisher =International Narcotics Control Board | date =November 15, 2012 | url =http://www.incb.org/documents/Press_Releases/press_release_151112.pdf | access-date =November 21, 2012 | archive-date =December 2, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121202050358/http://www.incb.org/documents/Press_Releases/press_release_151112.pdf | url-status =dead }}</ref> Former US president Jimmy Carter referred to 502 and Colorado Amendment 64 in restating his decades-long support for decriminalization and legalization, to "let the American people see" how well it works.<ref>{{cite web | last =Cirilli | first =Kevin | title =Former president Jimmy Carter OK with legalizing marijuana | publisher =Politico | date =December 11, 2012 | url =https://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/marijuana-legalization-president-jimmy-carter-ok-with-legalizing-marijuana-84921.html | access-date = December 12, 2012}}</ref> In his first interview on the subject after passage, President Barack Obama said that addressing this issue was not a high priority at this point, that international treaty obligations came into play, but that there were "bigger fish to fry."<ref>{{cite web | last =Dwyer | first =Devin | title =Marijuana Not High Obama Priority | work =Barbara Walters interview | publisher =20/20 (U.S. TV series) | date =December 14, 2012 | url =https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/president-obama-marijuana-users-high-priority-drug-war/story?id=17946783#.UMtENY7evfg | access-date = December 14, 2012}}</ref> In August 2013, the US Department of Justice elected not to sue Washington and Colorado over legalized marijuana and not to prosecute legal marijuana in those states.<ref>{{cite web | last1 =Southall | first1 =Ashley | first2 = Jack | last2 = Healy | title =U.S. Won't Sue to Reverse States' Legalization of Marijuana | work =The New York Times | date =August 29, 2013 | url =https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/30/us/politics/us-says-it-wont-sue-to-undo-state-marijuana-laws.html?_r=0&pagewanted=all | access-date = August 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Knickerbocker | first =Brad | title =Obama administration backs off on state marijuana laws | work=The Christian Science Monitor | date =August 29, 2012 | url =https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2013/0829/Obama-administration-backs-off-on-state-marijuana-laws | access-date = August 29, 2013}}</ref>
{{referendum results | caption = Washington Initiative 502 '''(Approved)''' Final count certified 11/27/12 4:55pm<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20121106/initiative-measure-no-502-concerns-marijuana.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823182708/https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20121106/initiative-measure-no-502-concerns-marijuana.html |archive-date=August 23, 2025 |url-status=live|title=Initiative Measure No. 502 Concerns marijuana|last=Reed|first=Sam|author-link=Sam Reed|date=November 6, 2012|work=Secretary of State of Washington|access-date=November 16, 2025}}</ref> | for = 1724209 | against = 1371235 | turnout = }}
=== By county === {| class="wikitable sortable" |+{{sronly|County results}} ! rowspan="2" scope="col" |County<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20121106/initiative-measure-no-502-concerns-marijuana_bycounty.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303185347/https://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20121106/initiative-measure-no-502-concerns-marijuana_bycounty.html |archive-date=March 3, 2025 |url-status=live|title=Initiative Measure No. 502 Concerns marijuana - County Results|last=Reed|first=Sam|author-link=Sam Reed|date=November 6, 2012|work=Secretary of State of Washington|access-date=November 16, 2025}}</ref> ! colspan="2" scope="col" |Yes ! colspan="2" scope="col" |No ! colspan="2" scope="col" |Margin ! rowspan="2" scope="col" |Total votes |- !# !% !# !% !# !% |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Adams | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |1,860 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |39.38% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''2,863''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''60.62%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-1,003 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-21.24% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |4,723 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Asotin | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |4,829 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |49.00% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''5,027''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''51.00%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-198 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-2.01% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |9,856 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Benton | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |34,530 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |43.59% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''44,686''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''56.41%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-10,156 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-12.82% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |79,216 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Chelan | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''16,616''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''51.85%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |15,428 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |48.15% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |1,188 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |3.71% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |32,044 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Clallam | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''20,812''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''54.93%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |17,079 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |45.07% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |3,733 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |9.85% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |37,891 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Clark | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |93,376 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |49.68% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''94,586''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''50.32%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-1,210 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-0.64% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |187,962 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Columbia | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |1,032 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |45.68% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''1,227''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''54.32%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-195 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-8.63% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |2,259 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Cowlitz | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |20,593 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |46.35% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''23,841''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''53.65%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-3,248 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-7.31% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |44,434 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Douglas | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |7,301 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |48.87% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''7,640''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''51.13%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-339 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-2.27% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |14,941 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Ferry | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''1,755''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''51.05%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |1,683 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |48.95% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |72 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |2.09% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |3,438 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Franklin | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |8,801 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |38.94% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''13,803''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''61.06%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-5,002 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-22.13% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |22,604 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Garfield | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |480 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |37.83% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''789''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''62.17%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-309 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-24.35% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |1,269 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Grant | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |12,244 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |44.59% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''15,216''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''55.41%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-2,972 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-10.82% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |27,460 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Grays Harbor | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''15,510''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''53.97%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |13,229 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |46.03% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |2,281 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |7.94% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |28,739 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Island | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''23,205''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''55.58%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |18,543 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |44.42% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |4,662 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |11.17% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |41,748 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Jefferson | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''12,774''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''65.23%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |6,808 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |34.77% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |5,966 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |30.47% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |19,582 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |King | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''603,892''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''63.49%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |347,232 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |36.51% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |256,660 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |26.98% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |951,124 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Kitsap | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''68,819''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''55.98%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |54,109 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |44.02% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |14,710 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |11.97% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |122,928 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Kittitas | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |8,748 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |48.42% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''9,318''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''51.58%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-570 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-3.16% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |18,066 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Klickitat | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |5,049 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |49.64% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''5,123''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''50.36%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-74 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-0.73% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |10,172 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Lewis | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |15,213 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |44.62% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''18,885''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''55.38%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-3,672 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-10.77% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |34,098 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Lincoln | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |2,428 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |41.86% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''3,372''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''58.14%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-944 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-16.28% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |5,800 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Mason | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''15,606''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''55.32%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |12,602 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |44.68% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |3,004 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |10.65% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |28,208 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Okanogan | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''8,599''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''51.40%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |8,131 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |48.60% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |468 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |2.80% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |16,730 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Pacific | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''5,691''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''54.20%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |4,809 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |45.80% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |882 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |8.40% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |10,500 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Pend Oreille | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |3,302 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |49.35% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''3,389''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''50.65%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-87 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-1.30% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |6,691 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Pierce | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''184,333''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''54.04%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |156,746 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |45.96% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |27,587 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |8.09% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |341,079 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |San Juan | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''7,166''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''68.29%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |3,328 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |31.71% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |3,838 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |36.57% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |10,494 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Skagit | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''30,031''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''54.60%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |24,970 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |45.40% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |5,061 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |9.20% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |55,001 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Skamania | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''2,873''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''53.26%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |2,521 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |46.74% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |352 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |6.53% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |5,394 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Snohomish | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''178,669''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''54.59%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |148,634 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |45.41% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |30,035 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |9.18% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |327,303 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Spokane | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''116,190''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''52.15%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |106,601 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |47.85% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |9,589 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |4.30% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |222,791 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Stevens | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |10,384 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |46.53% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''11,932''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''53.47%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-1,548 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-6.94% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |22,316 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Thurston | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''70,166''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''55.69%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |55,823 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |44.31% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |14,343 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |11.38% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |125,989 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Wahkiakum | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |1,094 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |48.54% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''1,160''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''51.46%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-66 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-2.93% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |2,254 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Walla Walla | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |11,213 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |44.96% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''13,728''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''55.04%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-2,515 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-10.08% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |24,941 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Whatcom | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''57,851''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''56.85%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |43,909 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |43.15% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |13,942 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |13.70% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |101,760 |- | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |Whitman | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''8,844''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |'''51.99%''' | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |8,168 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |48.01% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |676 | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |3.97% | style="background: #B6C8D9;" align="center" |17,012 |- | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |Yakima | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |32,330 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |42.19% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''44,297''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |'''57.81%''' | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-11,967 | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |-15.62% | style="background: rgb(248, 193, 190);" align="center" |76,627 |- !Totals !1,724,209 !55.70% !1,371,235 !44.30% !352,974 !11.40% !3,095,444 |}
Many gathered to smoke publicly at the Space Needle just after midnight on December 6, in violation of the law. No arrests were made.<ref>{{cite web | last =Myers | first =Laura L. | title =Marijuana goes legal in Washington state amid mixed messages | publisher =Reuters | date =December 7, 2012 | url =https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-marijuana-washington-idUSBRE8B506L20121207 | access-date = December 7, 2012}}</ref>
==Implementation== [[File:Agate Dreams cannabis in Suquamish.jpg|thumb|right|A cannabis dispensary in Suquamish, Washington.]] {{update|section|date=March 2014}} I-502 mandated that rules for producers, processors and retailers be in place by December 1, 2013. The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board had initially anticipated the first proposed section would be approved in April.<ref>{{cite web | title =Proposed Producer Rules: Marijuana Producer Rulemaking Underway | publisher =Washington State Liquor Control Board | date =December 5, 2012 | url =http://liq.wa.gov/marijuana/proposed-producer-rules | access-date =December 7, 2012 | archive-date =December 23, 2012 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20121223080240/http://liq.wa.gov/marijuana/proposed-producer-rules | url-status =dead }}</ref> Distribution of draft rules to all stakeholders was planned May, with initial filing of all rules in June, before public hearings and adoption of the rules, to begin taking initial applications by September, and to begin issuing licenses in December 2013.<ref>{{cite web | title =I-502 Implementation Timeline | publisher =Washington State Liquor Control Board | date =April 17, 2013 | url =http://www.liq.wa.gov/publications/Marijuana/I-502/I-502_Official_Timeline_IV_4-16-13.pdf | access-date = April 17, 2013}}</ref> Some state legislators are reportedly moving to "slow down" this rule-making process<ref>{{cite web | last =Martin | first =Jonathan | title =House Democrats should tread carefully in tinkering with marijuana rules | publisher =Seattle Times | date =January 8, 2013 | url =http://seattletimes.com/html/edcetera/2020087462_top_house_democrats_want_to_sl.html | access-date = January 10, 2013}}</ref> and national opponents Kevin Sabet and Patrick J. Kennedy have started Project SAM to promote what they call "smart approaches to marijuana."<ref>{{cite web | last =Johnson | first =Gene | title =Former Rep. Kennedy, marijuana opponents regroup after legalization votes in Wash., Colo. | publisher =Associated Press | date =January 9, 2013 | url =http://www.startribune.com/nation/186202201.html?refer=y | access-date =January 10, 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Initial draft rules were released on May 16, with the public comment period set to end on June 10, 2013.<ref>{{cite web | title =Initiative 502 Initial Draft Rules | publisher =Washington State Liquor Control Board | date =May 16, 2013 | url =http://liq.wa.gov/marijuana/initial-draft-rules | access-date = May 21, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Carpenter | first =Michael | title =Initial-Draft-Rules-05-16-13.pdf | publisher =Washington State Liquor Control Board | date =May 16, 2013 | url =https://lcb.box.com/initial-draft-rules | format =PDF | access-date =May 21, 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Public hearings shall begin in August for rules to become effective in September and first licenses expected in December 2013 or the following January.<ref>{{cite web | title =Proposed Rules Highlights | publisher =Washington State Liquor Control Board | date =July 3, 2013 | url =http://www.liq.wa.gov/publications/Marijuana/I-502/proposed_rules/i-502_Draft_Rule_Summary_3_6-28-13.pdf | access-date = July 4, 2013}}</ref> Consultants estimate $495 million in annual sales among 300 stores across all counties, the highest concentration being in King, Pierce and Thurston counties.<ref>{{cite web | last =Schrader | first =Jordan | title =State's marijuana consultants finishing up work | publisher =Tacoma News Tribune | date =July 3, 2013 | url =http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/07/03/2665082/states-marijuana-consultants-finishing.html | access-date = July 4, 2013}}</ref> The first two dozen retail licenses were issued for July 2014, but delays in licensing producers are anticipated to cause supply problems during this early period.<ref>{{cite web | last =Spitzer | first =Gabriel | title =First Round Of Marijuana Stores Get Wash. State Licenses | publisher =KPLU-FM | date =July 7, 2014 | url =http://www.kplu.org/post/first-round-marijuana-stores-get-wash-state-licenses | archive-url =https://archive.today/20140709133314/http://www.kplu.org/post/first-round-marijuana-stores-get-wash-state-licenses | url-status =dead | archive-date =July 9, 2014 | access-date =July 7, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last =Vorenberg | first =Sue | title =Local pot stores opening ... soon: Vancouver retail marijuana sales expected to start this week pending state process | publisher =The Columbian | date =July 7, 2014 | url =http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/jul/07/pot-stores-opening-soon-vancouver/ | access-date = July 7, 2014}}</ref>
Following $67.5 million in sales/excise tax revenue during the first full year of legal sales along with a change in the regulatory tax structure to a single 37% retail rate, the state's Economic and Revenue Forecast Council estimated in 2015 that annual marijuana tax revenues would rise several-fold, reaching $369 million by the 2019 fiscal year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://247wallst.com/consumer-products/2015/10/24/washington-to-collect-1-billion-from-pot-taxes/|title=Washington to Collect $1 Billion From Pot Taxes|author=Paul Ausick|publisher=24/7 Wall St.|date=2015-10-24|access-date=2015-10-25}}</ref>
== See also == {{Portal|Cannabis|United States}} * Law of Washington (state) * Colorado Amendment 64 * Decriminalization of non-medical cannabis in the United States * Legal history of cannabis in the United States * Washington Initiative 692 (1998) * Washington Initiative 1068 (2010) {{Clear}}
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== *[http://www.sos.wa.gov/_assets/elections/initiatives/i502.pdf I-502 In Its Entirety], The entire initiative on the government of Washington website. *{{web archive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428125118/http://www.newapproachwa.org/|title= New Approach Washington|date=2018-04-28}} primary organization lobbying for I-502 *{{web archive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726042946/http://www.nooni502.org:80/|title=No on I-502|date=2012-07-26}} cannabis reform organization opposed to I-502
{{Cannabis in Washington}} {{Cannabis in the United States}} {{Cannabis}}
Category:2012 in Washington (state) Category:2012 cannabis law reform Initiative 502 Category:Cannabis ballot measures in the United States Category:Cannabis research Category:2012 Washington (state) ballot measures