Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has signed legislation allowing interstate cannabis trade, which will only be possible if federal policy changes.
Before signing the law, Jay Inslee urged Congress to modernize national cannabis laws, saying federal legalization “would help our well-regulated cannabis industry stay competitive, while meeting public health and safety standards.” .
He also quipped that Washington State needs a “pony express that goes east to get the message to Washington D.C., so if anybody’s got any fast horses, put ’em on.” at work here”.
As passed, the measure will allow the governor to enter into agreements with other states where cannabis is legal, as soon as there is a federal reform “allowing the transfer of cannabis between states” or a notice from the Federal Department of Justice “allowing or condoning” the trade in cannabis across state lines.
With this signing, the three western coastal states are now able to authorize imports and exports of cannabis within their territory. Oregon was the first state to take the plunge in 2019, followed by California last year.
Washington’s bill states that if either of two federal conditions are met, state regulators will be required to provide written notice of the policy change, as well as any “statutory amendments necessary to authorize the sale.” , delivery and receipt of cannabis” from out-of-state businesses.
In California, the state attorney general could trigger interstate cannabis trade enforcement regardless of federal considerations. In January, state regulators asked Attorney General Rob Bonta to prepare these guidelines.
In the event of federal legalization of cannabis in the United States, the regulatory authorities will have to adopt the necessary rules for the import and export of cannabis. However, the authority to enter into agreements with other states will rest exclusively with the governor of each state.
