Washington State Passes An Open Container Law For Marijuana
Published on 7/24/15
Washington state has taken huge strides in marijuana law reform as one of the 4 states to recreationally legalize the drug. Despite being legal, Washington's laws aren't all convenient for users, including the inability to grow personal cannabis at home, and the new open container law requiring marijuana to be transported in an unopened container in the trunk of a vehicle. Issues sprouting from this law are expected as the language does not specify the different containers allowed compared to the common receptacles given by dispensaries. The new law also regains the ability for law enforcement to suspend a persons' license if the driver is proven to be under the influence of marijuana.
A new state law, House Bill 1276, will update the state’s open container laws for vehicles to include marijuana. The law stipulates that marijuana, like alcohol, must be kept in the trunk of a vehicle, in an unopened container, or in another part of the passenger cabin “not normally occupied or directly accessible by” the driver or passengers.
The law, signed by Governor Jay Inslee on June 30, will take effect September 26.
