Tag Archives: Senate Bill 5887

Medical-marijuana market remains at risk, bill fails in final hours

In a disappointing turn of events late today, the House of Representatives failed to reach an agreement on Sen. Ann Rivers’ bipartisan medical-marijuana measure before the Legislature adjourned for the year.

Rivers said the fiscal details that ultimately caused the bill’s demise weren’t enough of a reason to leave patients in the dark without any protection.

“I don’t think people realize what a blow this is to the medical-marijuana community,” said Rivers, R-La Center. “I am legitimately fearful for the patients who rely on medical cannabis because the medical market remains completely unregulated, which leaves a lot of room for the federal government to intervene or even shut down the entire medical-marijuana system in our state. Without this legislation, 14 year-olds are still able to access medical marijuana authorizations without their parents’ consent.

“I think patients should plan to use and pay for recreational marijuana because as it stands today, Washington’s medical-marijuana market is outside its legal bounds and was actually deemed ‘untenable’ by the U.S. Attorney General’s office,” warned Rivers.

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Senate approves Rivers’ patient-focused medical-marijuana bill

The Senate approved a measure Saturday that would set the necessary framework and oversight surrounding medical marijuana to establish its place in the market alongside the 2012 voter-approved law allowing the recreational use of marijuana.

Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, introduced Senate Bill 5887 last year but said the measure looks very different today.

Rivers released this statement following Saturday’s vote:

“This bill is the result of a bicameral and bipartisan effort to remain patient-focused while staying within the legal bounds of the recent federal guidelines. The bill has evolved a lot thanks to the numerous public hearings and helpful feedback received from patients and stakeholders.

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Legislation Update

I have several bills still alive and well in the legislative process. I’ll continue to keep you updated about them but in the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions.

Senate Bill 5887 – this measure would reconcile the medical and recreational marijuana markets. It’s a bill that I’ve been working on since last year to help put proper parameters and protections in place while still maintaining a patient-first focus. Because it has a monetary component to it, it can be brought to a vote at any time during session.
Status: Awaiting approval by the Senate Budget Committee.

Senate Bill 6007 – a bill developed by public utility districts from around the state, would protect customers’ information – both electronic contact information and usage information.
Status: Passed the Senate unanimously and was approved by the House Committee on Local Government; currently waiting for final approval by the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 6016 – the intent of this bill is to implement grace periods for the state health benefit exchange in a way that protects our state’s patients, health insurers and health care providers.
Status: Passed the Senate unanimously and was approved by the House Committee on Health Care and Wellness; currently awaiting approval by the House of Representatives.

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