Medical Marijuana Ordinance

The City of Seattle believes that the medical use of cannabis should be conducted in a safe and fair manner for the health, safety and welfare of the community.

City Attorney Peter Holmes and City Councilmembers acknowledge the federal prohibition of marijuana, but plan to respond to the changes in state law in a responsible manner to minimize impacts to patients, providers, and the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

• Seattle City Council approves first step toward regulating medical marijuana operations, Council news release, 7/18/2011
• City Attorney's medical cannabis briefing presentation to the Council, 7/13/2011
• An ordinance relating to medical cannabis or medical cannabis products, and the regulation thereof within the City of Seattle
• Proposed notice for health care providers and use at dispensaries

RESOURCES

State of Washington

• Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire's April 13 letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder
• Seattle attorney Hugh Spitzer's April 28 letter to Gregoire
• Gregoire's April 29 partial veto of Senate Bill 5073
• Washington State Department of Health information page

Federal

• Deputy Attorney General James Cole June 29 memo to U.S. Attorneys
• U.S. Attorneys, Western Washington District, July 8 letter to Mayor Mike McGinn and City Attorney Holmes
• U.S. Attorneys, Eastern and Western Washington Districts, April 14 letter to Gregoire
• U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Washington, April 6 letter on medical marijuana
• U.S. Attorney, Northern District of California, Feb. 1 letter
• Deputy Attorney General David Ogden October 2009 memo
• Gonzales v. Raich (2002) U.S. Supreme Court Opinion striking down California's medical marijuana laws as inconsistent with federal prohibition