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[toggle title_open=”Q. What is marijuana, and where does it come from?” title_closed=”Q. What is marijuana, and where does it come from?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A: Marijuana comes from the cannabis plant, which grows naturally all around the world. It is commonly known by many names, including weed, pot, grass, herb and ganja, among others. Marijuana is a product of the cannabis plant that is used medically to treat numerous ailments and conditions, and recreationally as a psychoactive drug.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q: What compounds does marijuana contain, and how do they affect the human brain?” title_closed=”Q: What compounds does marijuana contain, and how do they affect the human brain?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A: The cannabis plant contains 483 known compounds, including at least 60 active cannabinoids—chemical compounds that affect neurotransmitter release in the brain. Some of the most commonly known cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the primary psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant; and cannabidiol (CBD), which contains anti-psychoactive effects, can treat many major medical conditions, and accounts for up to 40% of the cannabis plant’s extract.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. What are Indica and Sativa, and how are they different?” title_closed=”Q. What are Indica and Sativa, and how are they different?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A: Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa are the two main varieties of cannabis plants, and both can be mixed together to create hybrid strains. Each cannabis strain has a unique range of effects on the human body and brain. Indica plants typically grow short and wide and are better suited for growing indoors, whereas Sativa plants grow tall and thin and are better suited for growing outside. Indica strains typically have a CBD:THC ratio that is four or five times higher than Sativa strains. Strains with high CBD:THC ratios are typically less likely to induce anxiety when consumed because of how CBDs affect the cannabinoid receptors in the brain as compared to how THCs affect those receptors. Furthermore, Indica strains with high CBD concentrations and low THC concentrations typically produce relaxing, sedative effects, and are best suited for nighttime use, while Sativa strains with low CBD concentrations and high THC concentrations typically produce a “high” effect that is more uplifting and energetic, and are best suited for daytime use.

Marijuana strains range from pure Indica and Sativa strains to hybrid strains that contain various combinations of both Indica and Sativa, and can be tailored to produce specific effects. Indica-dominant strains usually have a strong sweet or sour odor and provide relaxing effects that some may find helpful if they experience anxiety, body pain, seizures, muscle spasms, headaches and sleeping disorders. Sativa-dominant marijuana strains usually have a grassy odor and provide uplifting, energetic effects and a “high” feeling that some find helpful for inducing creativity and energy while increasing focus and potentially combating depression. Check out our Marijuana Strains Page to read more about our specific Indica, Sativa and hybrid strains.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. What is the legal history of Marijuana and Cannabis in the United States?” title_closed=”Q. What is the legal history of Marijuana and Cannabis in the United States?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A: Marijuana has been used around the world for religious and spiritual purposes dating back to approximately 3,000 BC. The possession, use and sale of marijuana are illegal in most countries. In the United States, marijuana possession, use and sale have been illegal under federal law since the early 1900s. Cannabis is a Schedule I drug according to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which classifies cannabis as having high potential for abuse, no medical use, and not safe to use without medical supervision. Multiple efforts to reschedule cannabis under the Act have failed, and the United States Supreme Court has ruled in United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers’ Cooperative and Gonzales v. Raich that the federal government has a right to regulate and criminalize cannabis, even for medical purposes. Despite the federal legislation, the U.S. government has recently been more accepting and forgiving of drug charges involving marijuana, especially since recreational marijuana use is now legal under state laws in Washington and several other states, and medical marijuana use is legal in many additional states.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. What methods of consumption are available for Marijuana?” title_closed=”Q. What methods of consumption are available for Marijuana?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A: Marijuana can be consumed in a variety of different ways, including smoking it through pipes, bongs, joints, blunts, roach clips and other items; using a vaporizer to consume it in a vaporized state; drinking it in cannabis-infused teas, sodas and tinctures; eating it in a variety of infused edibles, including candies, baked goods and more; and using it topically in ointments.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. Who can purchase recreational marijuana?” title_closed=”Q. Who can purchase recreational marijuana?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A: You must be 21 or older with a valid government-issued photo ID to buy recreational marijuana.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. Are the retail marijuana dispensaries run by the state?” title_closed=”Q. Are the retail marijuana dispensaries run by the state?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A. Stores are licensed and regulated by the WSLCB but are private-sector businesses.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. Do I have to be a resident of Washington to purchase recreational marijuana in Washington?” title_closed=”Q. Do I have to be a resident of Washington to purchase recreational marijuana in Washington?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A: No, non-Washington residents who are 21 or older with a valid ID may purchase recreational marijuana at a retail dispensary.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. Are there limits to the quantity of marijuana I can purchase from your store? What are those limits?” title_closed=”Q. Are there limits to the quantity of marijuana I can purchase from your store? What are those limits?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Yes, there are limits to how much marijuana you can purchase and possess at one time. You can only hold one ounce of marijuana flower (28 grams), 7 grams of extract for inhalation, 16 ounces of infused product in solid form, or 72 oz. in beverage form for both edibles and topicals.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. Where am I allowed to consume marijuana?” title_closed=”Q. Where am I allowed to consume marijuana?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A: Adults ages 21 and older are allowed to consume marijuana in private only. You can use marijuana on private property where the owner allows. Marijuana cannot be consumed in public places like stores, restaurants and parking lots, or at public gatherings such as concerts and events. Much like having an open container of alcohol in public, doing so could result in a civil infraction—like a ticket—but not arrest. You can certainly use marijuana in the privacy of your own home. Additionally, if smoking a cigarette isn’t allowed where you are (say, inside an apartment building, restaurant, public space or flammable chemical factory); smoking marijuana isn’t allowed there either.

Please note that the initiative says it “is unlawful to open a package containing marijuana in view of the general public”. Something to keep in mind.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. If I purchase marijuana in Washington, can I take it with me to another state or country?” title_closed=”Q. If I purchase marijuana in Washington, can I take it with me to another state or country?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A: No, possessing marijuana while traveling outside of Colorado state lines is strictly prohibited, and possession of marijuana is prohibited at Denver International Airport.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. Is there anything I should not do while under the influence of marijuana?” title_closed=”Q. Is there anything I should not do while under the influence of marijuana?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A: You should be safe, know your limits, and should not operate heavy machinery or operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. Marijuana consumption is regulated similar to alcohol, and individuals may not drive under the influence of marijuana. You can be ticketed for impaired driving if your blood registers more than 5 nanograms of active THC.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. Do the strains available in your retail dispensary undergo any testing to ensure safety?” title_closed=”Q. Do the strains available in your retail dispensary undergo any testing to ensure safety?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]All marijuana in Washington is pre-packaged after samples have been submitted to a lab for quality control testing. Each strain of pot contains information known as a “potency profile,” which will give users better control over their marijuana experience. Testing labs determine the relative amounts of THC—the psychoactive component in marijuana, but also a number of other components known as “cannabinoids” including CBD, thought to alleviate seizures and pain, and CBN, which is thought to enhanced the psychoactive experience but can also promote sleep. State-approved testing facilities also screen pot for mold, pesticides, and other contaminants that are common in black-market marijuana.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. What is Washington State Initiative 502?” title_closed=”Q. What is Washington State Initiative 502?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A. I-502 decriminalized recreational use and limited possession (up to one ounce) of cannabis, 16 ounces of marijuana infused product in solid form or 72 ounces of marijuana infused product in liquid form under Washington law for adults 21 years of age and older. I-502 also established a system in which marijuana is regulated, taxed, and distributed similarly to alcohol. The law went into effect on December 1, 2013. The Washington State Liquor Control Board’s website has links to various resources and will be adding additional information over time.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. What is the federal government going to do?” title_closed=”Q. What is the federal government going to do?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A. On August 29, 2013 Attorney General Eric Holder called both Governors Jay Inslee and John Hickenlooper (Colorado) to outline the federal government’s guidance on legalized marijuana. That guidance was also outlined in a memo which focuses on eight points of federal emphasis such as youth access and public safety which the LCB’s rules address. The regulatory system for marijuana, and the rules written by the Board appears to meet those eight points. The memo does not change federal law. Governor Inslee’s office is maintaining an open dialogue with the federal government and the WSLCB is moving forward to carry out the expectations of the agency under the new law.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. Since marijuana is legal in Washington can the federal government still prosecute me?” title_closed=”Q. Since marijuana is legal in Washington can the federal government still prosecute me?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A. Yes. Washington’s system of legalized marijuana does not preempt federal law. Presently Washington State residents involved in marijuana production /retailing could still be subject to prosecution if the federal government chooses to do so.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. What about industrial hemp? Does this create a new market for hemp products?” title_closed=”Q. What about industrial hemp? Does this create a new market for hemp products?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A. No. The law is focused on legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. The law modifies the definition of “marijuana” to include only cannabis greater than 0.3 percent THC concentration. Cannabis under this limit – industrial hemp – is not treated as recreational “marijuana.”[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. How much tax revenue will marijuana sales generate?” title_closed=”Q. How much tax revenue will marijuana sales generate?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A. You can find the most recent financial data on the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) website on their Frequently Requested Lists page.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. How is it going to be taxed?” title_closed=”Q. How is it going to be taxed?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A. Effective July 1, 2015, tax reforms defined in HB 2136 change the existing marijuana excise tax structure. A 37 percent marijuana excise tax must now be collected exclusively at the retail level. In addition, B&O taxes on the production and local retail sales taxes apply.[/toggle]

[toggle title_open=”Q. Marijuana tax rates are too high, can you lower them?” title_closed=”Q. Marijuana tax rates are too high, can you lower them?” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]A. Any change to the current tax structure would have to come from the legislature.[/toggle]