Kitsap County drops marijuana possession cases

KITSAP COUNTY, Wash. — Kitsap  joins King and Pierce counties that will drop cases against defendants charged with marijuana possession, according to prosecutors.

Kitsap County Prosecutor Russ Hauge said he doesn't believe juries will convict pot possession defendants after voters approved Initiative 502, which will legalize up to an ounce of marijuana for adults 21 and older on Dec. 6.

Hauge estimated that between 20 and 100 cases will be dropped, some of them in the form of arrest warrants for those who failed to show up for court on charges.

Hauge said people charged with crimes beyond marijuana possession will still face prosecution.

After voters approved I-502, prosecutors in King and Pierce counties dropped pending cases of marijuana possession.

KIRO