HB 2477 Summary

• Legalizes possession and personal use of cannabis for adults 21 and older, including up to 1 ounce of cannabis and cultivation of up to 5 plants on private property not visible from public view.

• Establishes a regulatory framework for cannabis establishments (retail stores, cultivation facilities, product manufacturing facilities, and testing facilities) requiring annual registration with the Department of Health Services.

• Imposes a $50 per ounce excise tax on cannabis sales from cultivation facilities to retail or manufacturing facilities, with revenue directed to education (30%), treatment programs (10%), public health campaigns (10%), and general fund (50%).

• Prohibits cannabis smoking in public places and the sale of cannabis to persons under 21, with civil penalties up to $250 for public smoking and criminal penalties for underage possession.

• Requires the Department of Health Services to adopt implementing rules within 180 days that cannot prohibit cannabis establishments or make their operation unreasonably impracticable, and requires a two-thirds legislative vote for enactment.