Local law enforcement not sure what's next after passage of I-502
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CLARKSTON, WA - Washington state voters have approved Initiative 502, which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana.
"We're confused," said Asotin County Sheriff. "Where do we go from here?"
While the passage of Initiative 502, which legalizes marijuana in Washington is seen as a milestone, Asotin County Sheriff Ken Bancroft said he's in the dark as to what comes next in the decriminalization process.
"The only saving grace on this right now, is that it's going to be some time before everything gets put into place at the state level," said Bancroft.
That's because it's still illegal federally, which means people can be arrested by federal law enforcement agents for possessing the now legal amount of cannabis in Washington.
Outreach Director Tonia Winchester of New Approach Washington said that as of December 6th, Washington residents 21 and older can possess up to one ounce of marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana infused products in solid form, or up to 72 ounces of marijuana infused products in liquid form. It's around that time when the lawmaking process begins.
"December 1st is when the year-long law making process will begin with the liquor control board and other relevant state agencies to promulgate the supply side of Initiative 502," said Winchester.
Winchester said they're hoping to bring in the federal government into the discussion.
"At that time, we're very much hoping to have a conversation with the federal government to see the will of Washington voters be implemented," said Winchester.
Winchester said local and state law enforcement won't be able to arrest anyone for the legal amounts, starting December 6th. However Bancroft said that won't stop officers from tipping off federal law enforcement agencies.
"Sure," said Bancroft. "Once again it's still federal law that it's against, so we have that obligation."
Winchester said it'll take about a year before stores can open up and start selling marijuana.
The initiative passed Tuesday with more than 55% of ballots counted voting yes.
"We're confused," said Asotin County Sheriff. "Where do we go from here?"
While the passage of Initiative 502, which legalizes marijuana in Washington is seen as a milestone, Asotin County Sheriff Ken Bancroft said he's in the dark as to what comes next in the decriminalization process.
"The only saving grace on this right now, is that it's going to be some time before everything gets put into place at the state level," said Bancroft.
That's because it's still illegal federally, which means people can be arrested by federal law enforcement agents for possessing the now legal amount of cannabis in Washington.
Outreach Director Tonia Winchester of New Approach Washington said that as of December 6th, Washington residents 21 and older can possess up to one ounce of marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana infused products in solid form, or up to 72 ounces of marijuana infused products in liquid form. It's around that time when the lawmaking process begins.
"December 1st is when the year-long law making process will begin with the liquor control board and other relevant state agencies to promulgate the supply side of Initiative 502," said Winchester.
Winchester said they're hoping to bring in the federal government into the discussion.
"At that time, we're very much hoping to have a conversation with the federal government to see the will of Washington voters be implemented," said Winchester.
Winchester said local and state law enforcement won't be able to arrest anyone for the legal amounts, starting December 6th. However Bancroft said that won't stop officers from tipping off federal law enforcement agencies.
"Sure," said Bancroft. "Once again it's still federal law that it's against, so we have that obligation."
Winchester said it'll take about a year before stores can open up and start selling marijuana.
The initiative passed Tuesday with more than 55% of ballots counted voting yes.
Wawhoo !!!  I wish the state of Idaho would legalize marijuana instead of the drugs the doctors put patients on, they are killing people so why not go natural ...Think about it man made these chemicals and started handing them out like candy. When I was growing up myself, 2 brothers and 1 sister were all hyper -active, but we didn't get this crap shoved down our throats, but God gave us herbs and gave them for our use. I say legalize in every state. I will  guarantee there will be less crimes, less people out driving and drinking and killing people and think about the grocery consumption.  The farmers and small grocery store owners will starting making more money , the list goes on and on. I am not a smoker myself ,but I still can sit back and see the whole picture economy will be booming you will see. The state of Idaho is slowly dying off , the small towns are closing down because they can't even make a profit on their merchandise. Idaho to me is a great state to raise children in the united state is much safer if you will look around for instance ,California the crime rate is so high because of the chemicals they use to get High on because marijuana smells so bad you can't just smoke it anywhere but u can sniff drugs up your nose without a sole knowing it. In  public restrooms, behind garbage dumpsters, or just setting in your own home. So I ask you just consider the pluses against the minuses, any fool can see the picture!!!! Â
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I think the only thing that should be clear to Bancroft is his conflict of interest, for which he ought to be ousted.
What an adorably stupid, senile, old fart. Hopefully this "confused" embarrassment will be out of a job reasonably soon, along with all other law enforcement officials of equal or dumber value. Now lets get this party started.
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 This Sherriff should be booted out on office along with any other state appointed officials that don't support or subvert the will of the people of Washington State. These are the people that are the real problem. These are the people that want to continue to perpetuate the"War on Americans" that they so ambiguously refer to as "war on drugs". It is a war on the people of this country as much as Mexican Nationals, South American nationals and British Columbians. I wish this Asotin County Sherriff was as worried about fixing potholes on some of our more horrid streets or maintaining other various public infrastructures as whether or not I smoke a joint at home and eat some ice cream and watch a movie. And as far as the Feds are concerned I believe them to be more of a burden on the people of this nation than an asset anymore and hopefully our State will continue to stand firm on the Will of the people and lead this nation out of the "Dark Ages".
 @Bill Thompson exactly. local law enforcement's position should be to enforce local laws. any agency which has a policy to bypass local law ought to be booted. I think this jurisdiction issue should be seen as a positive balance of power, when local law enforcement violates that balance it's a conflict of interest.
"However Bancroft said that won't stop officers from tipping off federal law enforcement agencies. "
Seriously!?
So even though this ass is supposed to be upholding state law he feels he should also uphold federal law and tip off the federal authorities so they can come bust a law abiding citizen. Nice move Bancroft.
 @Visceral Reaction You are surprised a cop is a bit of a narc? lol
Theres Nothing confusing about what to do next! The voters have spoken on December 6 2012 specific amounts of marijuana will no longer be a crime in Washington State! So that means enforse the State of Washingtons LAWs continue to fight CRIME and remember you can't arrest anyone in possession of marijuana paraphernalia or specific amounts of marijuana
"Where do we go from here?" he says..... HOW ABOUT ARRESTING REAL CRIMINALS YOU PRICK!!!!!!!!  Seriously, this is neither complicated or confusing...... you just lost your playtoy that allowed you to HARASS any citizen that smelled funny.... and now you have to fight actual crime.