Medical cannabis laws in Washington
1979
The state of Washington recognizes that there is legal defense for medical cannabis use in the case of State v. Diana.
1990s
Cannabis clubs established to provide cannabis to medical patients.
1997
Initiative 685 to legalize medical marijuana is proposed, but fails.
1998
Initiative 692 decriminalizes cannabis and effectively establishes a medical marijuana program, as it allowed physicians to recommend medical marijuana to patients with terminal or debilitating illnesses including: “chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in cancer patients; AIDS wasting syndrome; severe muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis and other spasticity disorders; epilepsy; acute or chronic glaucoma; and some forms of intractable pain.”
2015
Washington establishes the Cannabis Patient Protection Act.
Recreational cannabis laws in Washington
2003
Seattle passes an initiative to make adult marijuana possession the lowest priority of law enforcement agencies in the city.
2010
Two bills are proposed, one which would have legalized liquor store sales, and the other which would have decriminalized possession of 40 grams or less of cannabis. Both bills died. Initiative 1068 is also proposed, which would have removed all state level penalties for cannabis use or possession for adults aged 18 or over.
2011
Initiative 502 is introduced and received enough signatures to be sent to the state legislature. In April 2012, when the legislature adjourned without acting, the initiative advanced to the 2012 general ballot.
2012
Initiative 502 is passed. Possession of up to 1 ounce (28 g) of marijuana by adults became legal under state law on December 6, however cultivation, sale and even gifting remained illegal.