"Seattle tells Leg. to pass medical pot bill, let cities decide where shops go"

Chris Grygiel (seattlepi.com):

Cities should be able to decide for themselves how and where medical marijuana shops operate within their boundaries, Seattle's mayor, City Council and City Attorney say in a letter to state lawmakers in which they urge the Legislature to pass a medical cannabis bill now being considered.

Senate Bill 5073 is being heard by the House Health Care committee Monday afternoon. The legislation establishes a regulatory system for the medical marijuana business and seeks to establish criminal liability protection for patients, doctors and providers. Washington is one of 15 states where pot use for medical purposes is legal; Voters here overwhelmingly approved an initiative in 1998. MORE...