I’m not a fan of marijuana or marijuana culture in general (I mean, have you ever noticed that heavy stoners all develop the same laugh? Once you hear it, you can never un-hear it. Sorry for ruining your friendships), but I do appreciate the legalization of marijuana I mean, when you’ve got something that can be used both to help people manage chronic, nagging pain AND you can tax the hell out of it, we call that a win-win, right?
Well, the Seattle Police Department’s Police Blotter blog has done Washingtonians the service of outlining how they’ll be handling the future of marijuana enforcement within Seattle…and they were clever about it, too. Aside from the above Lord of the Rings video, which was placed at the bottom of their blog post entitled “Marijwhatnow? A Guide to Legal Marijuana Use In Seattle”, they’ve offered up a few handy tips for Seattle-ites who are looking to get their blaze on (that’s a thing that’s said, right?) legally. We’ve included a few of the funnier bits here:
Can I legally carry around an ounce of marijuana?
According to the recently passed initiative, beginning December 6th, adults over the age of 21 will be able to carry up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use. Please note that the initiative says it “is unlawful to open a package containing marijuana…in view of the general public,” so there’s that. Also, you probably shouldn’t bring pot with you to the federal courthouse (or any other federal property).…
Can I smoke pot outside my home? Like at a park, magic show, or the Bite of Seattle?
Much like having an open container of alcohol in public, doing so could result in a civil infraction—like a ticket—but not arrest. You can certainly use marijuana in the privacy of your own home. Additionally, if smoking a cigarette isn’t allowed where you are (say, inside an apartment building or flammable chemical factory), smoking marijuana isn’t allowed there either.…
What happens if I get pulled over and I’m sober, but an officer or his K9 buddy smells the ounce of Super Skunk I’ve got in my trunk?
Under state law, officers have to develop probable cause to search a closed or locked container. Each case stands on its own, but the smell of pot alone will not be reason to search a vehicle. If officers have information that you’re trafficking, producing or delivering marijuana in violation of state law, they can get a warrant to search your vehicle.SPD seized a bunch of my marijuana before I-502 passed. Can I have it back?
No.
Of course, closing out the page with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey puffing away is the classic, and classiest way, to close things out. I truly appreciate the light-hearted tone that SPD brought to the post if nothing else, it shows that they’re going to make an effort to be as laid-back as possible regarding this huge change to the status-quo.
Either that, or they’ve been busy with the supply seized in the last question.
This article appears in Nov 8-14, 2012.
“I mean, have you ever noticed that heavy stoners all develop the same laugh?”
Just because you don’t participate in the cannabis culture doesn’t mean you should make such wild generalizations about them. I know the laugh to which you are referring (no pun intended) and not every stoner has it. That’s as bad as saying all women are lousy drivers or all African-Americans enjoy watermelon. Shame on you Mr. Mendez.
When I notice that every heavy user I’ve met has the same laugh, I’m willing to go out on a limb and make that generalization, AZ/DC; no insult intended to stoners that you know. But are you really trying to shame me for a lame joke? C’mon, dude.
At least you admit the joke was lame. I’ll be honest, I tend to exaggerate & be more dramatic when I post these commentaries. The biggest reason I shamed you was because you used the word “all” and not “most.” One thing I’ve learned in the 40 plus years I’ve been on this planet is that the “all” word will get you in trouble with the right/wrong (depending on your viewpoint) set of people. Just another life-lesson from a person who I’m sure is older than you and has probably been in more hot-water type situations. I don’t think me or any stoners I know necessarily took your comment as insulting, it’s just the word “all” that set me off. Besides that though, I do appreciate your sense of humor. Keep up the good work.
“I don’t think me or any stoners I know…”
Sorry for my poor grammar. That should be “I don’t think I or any stoners I know…”
Believe it or not, I’m not actually stoned right now. Unfortunately I had to give up that luxury years ago. Rest in peace Mary Jane.
I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the post, I appreciate the feedback.