In 2015 when the
Washington State Legislature took it upon themselves to smash the legacy
medical cannabis system, there was much wringing of hands over the number of
plants patients could grow. Under the previous system patients could grow a
reasonable 15 plants, but worried about diversion the all knowing WA
legislature cut that number down to 6, or 4, respectively. If a patient on a
limited budget spends $100 to $150 for a recommendation alone, they can grow
four measly plants. If they take the extra step and get registered, patients
can grow 6 plants, but good luck finding plants/clones or seeds. It’s nearly
impossible to find clones on the regulated system.
Now along comes
the WSLCB, who for some reason people forget were voted out of existence the
same year cannabis was legalized in 2012, with their legislative mandated home
grow feasibility study. They presented 3 options to the Democratic controlled
legislature. Option 1 and 2 both require permits to grow four sad plants, with
plan 2 relying on a bit more skull f^^kiry with a prevision plants must be
tracked. Option 3 is just keep it like it is; only patients can grow. Here is
where it is insulting.
How much will
these permits be and how will people get them. Right now it’s nearly impossible
to find a doctor to recommend cannabis. If you get the recommendation, it’s
expensive. Then if a patient actually wants to have enough plants to provide
for themselves, they have to take ANOTHER step to get registered on a database.
So, now under the new plans just any old WA person will be able to get a
permit. I bet they’ll be able to buy them online, easy peasy. Suddenly clones
will be easy to get. Meanwhile, patients, who remember have a condition that
renders them debilitated, have been struggling to find plants, find doctors,
afford recommendations, navigate fear of registration and many other problems
related to medical cannabis. All with little to no relief from Olympia. If
Washington was truly the caring state it pretends to be patients would get
their 15 plants back, while citizens could grow 4 or 6 plants, without any
permit. As written today, the 3 proposals are insulting to patients struggling
to provide medicine for themselves.
