"Seattle may license, regulate medical pot shops"

Chris Grygiel (seattlepi.com):

Left in the lurch by a gubernatorial veto, the Seattle City Council this week will begin attempts to license and regulate the growing medical marijuana industry here.

Earlier this year the state Legislature passed a medical marijuana bill, but Gov. Chris Gregoire vetoed most of it. The governor said she worried the legislation put state workers at risk of federal prosecution. Evergreen State voters approved legalizing medical marijuana in 1998. Washington is one of 15 states which allows marijuana use for medical purposes, but the federal government does not recognize any medicinal use for cannabis.

On Wednesday at 2 p.m., the City Council's Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee will consider an ordinance from Councilman Nick Licata establishing rules for medical pot shops. They would have to obtain a business license, pay taxes and fees and meet city land use codes. MORE...

Howie P.S.: Someone said "Pot is the new gay."