On July 1, 2016, a medical marijuana transition will occur in Washington State that will impact anyone who currently is involved with the marijuana industry.
What does this mean?
Many of the collective gardens that are owned by medical marijuana dispensaries will no longer be allowed. This also means that most medical dispensaries will close for good and only outlets that are licensed by the Liquor & Cannabis Board(LCB) will be able to remain open for business. The remaining shops will also have to choose if they want to sell to the general public, to medical patients or to both.
According to the LCB, they will grant the existing medical marijuana dispensaries licenses if the following criteria is met:
- Collective garden operator must be 21-years-old or older
- They have had to maintain a business license
- There is a history of paying relevant taxes
- No criminal history and
- The premises is situated away from schools, parks, playgrounds and other similar buildings.
Licensed marijuana retailers also must file and pay taxes to the Department of Revenue. If the dispensary fails to pay taxes, their business license will be revoked. If they continue to operate with their revoked license or no license at all, they will earn a Class C felony.
As far as having a green card for medical greenery, I have been told by staff at Ellensburg’s Cannabis Central that you will still need a green card to purchase all forms of medical marijuana.
