The state of Washington is a leader on many fronts. Apart from being a leader on the technology front (it is the home of Microsoft), Washington state is a leader in terms of marijuana legislation. The state was the first in America to legalize the use of recreational marijuana among adults.
This happened way back in 2012.
The state was also among the first to establish a medical marijuana program. This was done about 20 years ago in 1998.
And the fact that marijuana is legal by state law means CBD oil is also 100% legal in the state. This is regardless of whether the oil was extracted from marijuana or from the industrial hemp plant.
CBD oil has gained so much popularity in recent months. It has become ubiquitous in alternative medicine websites, wellness centers, popular blogs, and even beauty salons. Its benefits have been proven by one first testimony after another.
Dozens of reports have also positively reported about CBD oil.
However, most Washingtonians are unsure about the legality of CBD oil. Some think it is federally illegally while others think even the state does not allow it. In this article, we discuss the legality of marijuana and CBD in Washington State. We also discuss the attitude of the state’s residents towards cannabis and its oil. In the end, we recommend the best places to buy CBD oil in the state.
Contents
LAWS ON CBD IN WASHINGTON
RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA LEGAL STATUS IN WASHINGTON
In 2012, Washingtonians approved Initiative 502 through the ballot, making Washington the first state to legalize recreational marijuana.
The initiative decriminalized marijuana and allowed the possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana. It also allowed the possession of up to 16 and 72 ounces of solid and liquid marijuana-infused products respectively.
It also mandated the state Liquor Control Board to regulate the new cannabis industry. About a year after the passing of the initiative, the federal department of justice announced that it would not intervene as long as the state board was able to strictly regulate the industry.
Nevertheless, the department has not intervened to date, which means it is okay with what the board is doing.
To date, the board has been able to license hundreds of cannabis retail stores statewide.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGAL STATUS IN WASHINGTON
Ballot initiative 692 of 1998 approved the sale of medical marijuana in Washington State.
The initiative was approved by 60 percent of the voters.
The vote allowed doctors to recommend marijuana to patients for a variety of serious illnesses including pain, glaucoma, epilepsy, muscle spasms, AIDS, and cancer.
The initiative also permitted the legislature to include new illnesses that they deem fit for the program.
Under the initiative, qualifying patients could get up to 24 ounces of marijuana or cultivate 15 plants of marijuana.
This is one of the most liberal medical marijuana laws around. It doesn’t pose too many restrictions on patients, physicians, or sellers. It simply gives access to marijuana to patients certified by physicians to deserve it.
CBD OIL LEGAL STATUS IN WASHINGTON
Since Initiative 502 permits the use of marijuana-infused products, CBD oils, which are basically cannabis extracts, can also be legally used within the state of Washington.
Thus, CBD oil from cannabis aka cannabis oil is legal in the state.
This type of oil is, however, illegal at the federal level. But do not worry. The Department of Justice already said it could permit the sale of recreational marijuana as long as the distribution was strictly managed.
But if you want to be really safe, you can go for the hemp-derived version of CBD oil. This version is legal under federal law and also in the state of Washington. This is as long as it doesn’t contain any more than .3% THC – the compound responsible for mind-altering effects of marijuana.
CULTURAL ATTITUDES TOWARDS CBD IN WASHINGTON
About 20% of Washingtonians over the age of 18 have used marijuana within the last 12 months. This is higher than the national average of 13%.
This shows that a significant number of people from the state are users or know somebody who uses.
And the good thing is that they are not concerned about it. Everybody leaves everybody to his or her elements.
Even more positive is the fact that the state hosts the Seattle Hempfest that attracts over 200,000 people annually. Hempfest is a celebration of marijuana and its products. The fact that it is allowed in the state is proof that marijuana users face little or no stigmatization in the state.
BEST PLACES TO BUY CBD IN WASHINGTON
BEST PLACES TO BUY CBD OIL IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Pot Stop at 4465 Fremont Avenue N Seattle is the best place to buy CBD oils in Washington. You don’t believe me, check out what customers are saying about them on Yelp, FB and Google reviews. You will wish you had discovered them earlier.
Their products are fairly priced. And they also know a lot about the laws and the “medicine” they are selling. There is nothing not to love about them.
Fweedom Cannabis located at 12001 Aurora Avenue is famous cannabis clinic around Bitter Lake. It has got one of the best interior designs for a cannabis store and some of the nicest and most welcoming staff. The merch is also good. Plenty of cannabis and CBD oil products.
BEST PLACES TO BUY CBD OIL IN SPOKANE, WASHINGTON
If you are in Spokane, Green Star Cannabis store located at 1403 N Division Street is the store you need to visit for all your cannabis needs. This is as professional a cannabis store as you will get anywhere in the United States.
It is large, airy, well-designed and has a wide variety of cannabis merchandise to impress even the most experienced stoner.
The best thing about it is its CBD products collection. It has numerous well-known brands. The staff are also welcoming and will help you to quickly find what you are looking for.
Sativa Sisters located at 105252 E Trent Avenue in Spokane Valley is also a popular CBD products purveyor in the state. They have CBD in oil form and in the form of topical creams. They also have a good variety of well-packed cannabis products.