SEATTLE (Reuters) – Seattle’s mayor signed into law on Wednesday a licensing system for medical marijuana distribution, with the city’s attorney vowing to show that pot regulation can be done “safely and humanely.”
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, in a 40-minute signing ceremony, said that licensed medical marijuana suppliers must comply with city codes that govern everything from public nuisance complaints to plumbing and food-handling.
The City Council passed the ordinance unanimously on July 19, nearly three months after Washington’s governor signed into law a statewide measure allowing cities to regulate and license production, processing and distribution of medical marijuana on a limited basis.
The state statute, which took effect on Friday, required storefront dispensaries and medical pot suppliers to reorganize as small, cooperative ventures that serve up to 10 patients.
Called “collective gardens,” these businesses may grow as many as 45 plants, but no more than 15 per person.
Governor Christine Gregoire had vetoed provisions
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