WA Lege: Pot decriminalization fails, too

OLYMPIA—A bill that would turn possession of small amounts of marijuana into a civil infraction failed in a state House committee this afternoon.

HB 1177, which would decriminalize the possession of about two ounces or less of marijuana, failed on a vote of 3 yeas and 5 nays.

Along with a bill to legalize marijuana and have it taxed and controlled by the state, the decriminalization bill drew support from some doctors and lawyers last week, but opposition from some law enforcement officials.

The House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee rejected both bills in an executive session.