Yesterday, it was reported in The Columbia via the Associated Press a sting operation focusing on pot shop sales of marijuana to minors allegedly resulted in 4 of 22 pot shops being non-compliant. The brief article mentioned 10-day suspensions or fines up to $2,500.00 could occur. Apparently, notice was given on May 12, 2015 by the liquor board to the various shops regarding the crackdown. Additionally, the store employees accused of the sales are having their cases referred to the prosecutors office for potential criminal prosecution.
I do not know the specific facts of each individual case referenced above including the age of the minors working on behalf of law enforcement but in general and for the edification for anyone interested in the machinations of the law in Washington State under RCW 69.50.406(2):
“Any person eighteen years of age or over who violates RCW 69.50.401 by distributing any other controlled substance listed in Schedules I, II, III, IV, and V to a person under eighteen years of age who is at least three years his or her junior is guilty of a Class B felony punishable by fine authorized RCW 69.50.401(2)(c),(d), or (e) by a term up to twice that authorized by RCW 69.50.401(2)(c),(d), or (e), or both.”
Of course, if the folks involved in the operation were over the age of 18 than obviously RCW 69.50.401(2) is not triggered.
See also RCW 69.50.4013(3):
“The possession, by a person twenty-one years of age or older, of useable marijuana or marijuana-infused products in amounts that do not exceed those set forth in RCW 69.50.360(3) is not a violation of this section, this chapter, or any other provision of Washington State law.”
To read the article in its entirety, please click on the link provided.
