Pubdate: Thu, 17 Oct 2013
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA)
Copyright: 2013 The Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/365

SECOND STATE OKS RULES FOR POT SALES

SEATTLE (AP) - Washington became the second state to adopt rules for 
the recreational sale of marijuana Wednesday, setting what advocates 
hope will become a template for the drug's legalization around the world.

"We feel very proud of what we're doing," said Sharon Foster, 
chairwoman of the Washington Liquor Control Board, as she and her two 
colleagues approved the rules. "We are making history."

Washington and Colorado last year legalized the possession of up to 
an ounce of pot by adults older than 21, with voters deciding to set 
up systems of state-licensed growers, processors and sellers. The 
measures put state officials in the difficult position of crafting 
rules for a fledgling industry barred by federal law for more than 
seven decades.

The liquor board devised Washington's rules after nearly a year of 
research, debate and planning, including public hearings that drew 
hundreds of people across the state. They cover everything from the 
security at and size of licensed marijuana gardens, to how many pot 
stores can open across the state.

Sales are expected to begin by the middle of next year, with 
supporters hoping taxed pot might bring the state tens or hundreds of 
millions of dollars, with much of the revenue directed to public 
health and drug abuse prevention.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom