Legislature receives recommendations for home pot grows

SEATTLE — Washington state could be a step closer to allowing people to grow marijuana in their homes.

Of the eight states that have legalized recreational marijuana, Washington is the only one that does not allow home grows.

After months of study and a lengthy public comment period, the Liquor and Cannabis Board has now sent the legislature its three recommendations for the potential of home-grown recreational pot.

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The board did not come up with a favored recommendation. Instead, it listed three that could keep Washington from running afoul of federal guidelines for the states that have legalized marijuana, which the US federal government still lists as an illegal drug.

Last month, the state Liquor and Cannabis Board heard public feedback on the proposals. Many in attendance favored home grows and questioned potential tracing measures.

“Ridiculous for me to consider for growing a few plants in my own home. The security, the traceability -- it's untenable,” said marijuana processing facility owner Kevin Oliver.

In the first option, people would apply for permits to grow up to four plants. The second would do the same, but also require homeowners to enter their plants into a state database for tracking purposes. The third option would preserve the status quo and ban home-grown pot.

While the agency did not pick a preferred option, it noted that sheriffs around the state were opposed to home-grows.

The legislature could act on the issue in the 2018 session, which starts January 8.

Cox Media Group