A new bill in Olympia could make Washington the first state where short-term rentals legally hand out complimentary cannabis prerolls, sparking cheers from tourism boosters and sharp warnings from public health advocates.
The proposal, introduced Tuesday by Democratic Rep. Melanie Morgan, would let Airbnb hosts and other short-term rental operators apply for a special add-on permit. If approved, they could gift adult guests one preroll containing up to one gram of marijuana at check-in, the same way hotels leave chocolates on pillows.
House Bill 2077 creates a “hospitality cannabis endorsement” for properties already licensed as short-term rentals. Key points include:
- Only guests 21 and older can receive the free joint
- The preroll must come from a state-licensed producer or processor
- Hosts pay a $75 annual fee for the endorsement
- Gifted cannabis cannot be sold; it has to be complimentary
- No on-site smoking lounges or additional sales would be allowed
Morgan says the idea came from hotel and bed-and-breakfast owners who want to compete with Washington’s legal retail cannabis stores. “People already bring their own cannabis when they travel here,” she told reporters Wednesday. “This just lets small businesses offer the same Pacific Northwest welcome that craft beer or local wine already enjoys.”
Why Supporters Say It Makes Sense
Washington has allowed recreational marijuana since 2012. Tourists frequently ask where they can legally consume, and most hotels still ban smoking of any kind. Supporters argue the bill solves a real headache.
Vicki Christophersen, head of the Washington Hospitality Association, calls it a tourism win. “Visitors spend over $20 billion a year in our state,” she said. “If a complimentary preroll keeps a few more nights booked at a local B&B instead of a chain hotel that forbids cannabis, that money stays in our communities.”
The state’s 37% excise tax on cannabis brought in $402 million last fiscal year. Because the prerolls would be gifted, not sold, that revenue stream would not grow. But sponsors say the economic boost to rural lodging could more than make up the difference.
Public Health Groups Sound the Alarm
Not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat.
The Washington State Medical Association and the state’s PTA quickly came out against the measure. They worry free cannabis normalizes use and makes it harder for parents to explain rules to kids staying at family-friendly rentals.
“Giving away a drug at check-in sends the wrong message,” said Dr. Mika Sinanan, president of the medical association. She pointed to studies showing teens who see adult marijuana use as normal are twice as likely to try it themselves.
Critics also fear impaired drivers. Even though the bill bans on-site consumption lounges, nothing stops guests from lighting up in a car or on a hike.
How Likely Is It to Pass?
The bill faces long odds in the Republican-controlled Senate, even though the House is Democratic. Governor Jay Inslee has stayed quiet so far, but his office said he will review any legislation that reaches his desk.
A similar idea died in committee two sessions ago. This time, sponsors added tighter age checks and the $75 fee to pay for extra Liquor and Cannabis Board inspectors, moves they hope will win more votes.
Hearings are scheduled for late January. If the bill somehow clears both chambers, it would take effect next summer, just in time for the 2026 tourist season.
Washington keeps finding new ways to blend its cannabis culture with everyday life. Whether free joints at your weekend getaway become the next big thing or stay a quirky footnote will depend on lawmakers in the coming weeks. One thing is clear: the conversation about where adults can responsibly enjoy legal marijuana is far from over.
