State lawmakers in Washington are taking another look at cannabis laws, considering bills that could significantly change how marijuana is grown and sold. A key proposal would finally allow residents to grow cannabis at home without fear of felony charges. Another bill aims to let licensed growers sell directly to consumers, a move that could reshape the industry.
A Long-Awaited Push for Home Cultivation
For over a decade, Washington has stood apart from most legal-cannabis states by keeping home cultivation illegal. Despite repeated efforts, lawmakers have yet to pass a bill allowing adults to grow their own marijuana. But HB 1449, sponsored by Rep. Shelley Kloba (D), hopes to change that.
The bill would let adults 21 and older grow up to six cannabis plants at home, with a household cap of 15 plants. It would also allow them to keep whatever they harvest, bypassing the state’s strict one-ounce possession limit.
Supporters say the change is long overdue. “I’ve been coming back to the legislature for nearly 10 years to ask for the right to grow a few plants at home,” said John Kingsbury, co-founder of Homegrow Washington. He noted that 21 other states and Washington, D.C., already permit personal cultivation.
Not everyone is on board. Law enforcement and public health officials raised concerns about youth access, electrical hazards, and potential crime. James McMahan of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs argued that legalization had already led to unintended consequences.
Still, many legislators see the proposal as a matter of fairness. Committee Chair Rep. Amy Walen (D) compared home cannabis cultivation to home beer brewing or winemaking, both of which are legal. “Those haven’t destroyed the retail market,” she pointed out.
Industry Divided on Direct Sales to Consumers
Another bill under consideration, SB 5403, would allow state-licensed cannabis producers to sell flower directly to consumers. The proposal has split the industry, with small growers largely in favor and retailers pushing back.
Farmers argue that the current system, which forces them to sell through dispensaries, is unsustainable. Annette Pedigo of Cedar Creek Cannabis said many small businesses are barely surviving. “Hundreds and hundreds of producers have gone out of business,” she testified. “We need change.”
However, retail groups are worried. Brooke Davies of the Washington CannaBusiness Association warned that the bill could “fundamentally change the market” by undermining dispensaries, which are currently the only legal points of sale.
Micah Sherman, a cannabis farmer and board member of the Washington Sun and Craft Growers Association, proposed a compromise. He suggested capping direct sales at 1,000 pounds per year per farm to limit disruptions to retailers. That amount, he said, represents just a week’s worth of sales for a major dispensary.
One key question is whether direct sales would be held to the same safety and security standards as retail stores. Sen. Derek Stanford (D) voiced concerns about lower security at farms, but industry advocates said regulators could easily set clear guidelines.
Comparing Washington to Other States
Washington’s stance on home cultivation and direct sales has made it an outlier. Most legal-cannabis states allow personal cultivation, and several permit direct farmer-to-consumer sales in some form.
Here’s how Washington stacks up against other key cannabis markets:
| State | Home Grow Legal? | Direct Sales Allowed? |
|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | Limited (Governor vetoed expansion) |
| Colorado | Yes | No direct sales |
| Oregon | Yes | Limited direct sales |
| Washington | No (felony) | Not allowed |
| New York | Yes (planned) | Yes (at special events) |
New York recently passed a law allowing farmers to sell directly at farmers market-style events. Meanwhile, California attempted to expand direct sales last year, but Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed the proposal.
What’s Next for the Bills?
Both HB 1449 and SB 5403 have received hearings but have yet to be scheduled for committee votes. Lawmakers and industry leaders expect amendments to be proposed before either measure moves forward.
For now, the debate continues. Advocates see these bills as necessary steps toward a fairer, more sustainable cannabis market. Opponents warn of unintended consequences. With Washington’s legislative session in full swing, the outcome remains uncertain.
