The Cannabis Alliance Applauds the Introduction of HB 1449: Legalizing home cultivation of cannabis by persons who are 21 years of age or older
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Cannabis Alliance Applauds the Introduction of HB 1449: Legalizing home cultivation of cannabis by persons who are 21 years of age or older
Seattle, Washington – January 27, 2025 – The Cannabis Alliance proudly supports House Bill 1449 (HB 1449), legislation that would legalize the home cultivation of cannabis for adults aged 21 and older in Washington State. This bill represents a critical step toward consumer freedom, criminal justice reform, and aligning Washington’s cannabis policies with those of other legal states.
Why HB 1449 Matters
Currently, Washington remains one of the few legalized states that still prohibits personal cannabis cultivation for non-medical consumers. In contrast, 21 states and Washington, D.C. have already established homegrow rights, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington D.C. HB 1449 seeks to bring Washington in line with these states, ensuring equity, fairness, and consumer rights, and winding down the drug war, which were the original justification for cannabis legalization in Washington State.
HB 1449 proposes the following key provisions:
Possession limits: Adults 21 and older would be legally permitted to cultivate up to six cannabis plants per person, with a maximum of 15 plants per housing unit. Citizens would be allowed to keep the amounts of their personal harvests.
Reduced Penalties for excess plants: Possession of 11 to 15 plants would be classified as a civil infraction instead of a felony, reducing undue criminalization.
Odor and Visibility Regulations: To address public concerns, the bill mandates that homegrown plants remain out of ordinary public view and includes provisions for odor control, and would establish civil infractions for violations.
Sales of any sort without a license would continue to be disallowed, by law.
Clarified Enforcement Authority: The Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) would not be responsible for enforcing home cultivation regulations, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens. Home growing would not fall under LCB’s authority to monitor commercial cultivation.
Protection Against Seizure and Forfeiture: Lawfully grown cannabis plants and related products would be shielded from asset seizure laws, preventing unwarranted government confiscation for those who are growing within the law.
Who Benefits from HB 1449?
Legalizing home cultivation would benefit medical patients by reducing excessive paperwork requirements, underserved communities and rural residents who may have limited access to dispensaries, and hobby growers who enjoy engaging in, and learning, cannabis cultivation. Moreover, HB 1449 is an essential step toward social equity in Washington’s cannabis industry. Data has consistently shown that communities of color, particularly Black and Latino individuals, are disproportionately arrested and charged for cannabis-related offenses, including cultivation violations. A review of Washington State arrest records between 2012 and 2019 reveals that Black residents were up to five times more likely than white residents to be arrested for cannabis-related offenses, despite similar usage rates. Legalizing homegrow would help reduce these disparities by eliminating one more avenue for law enforcement interactions that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Additionally, it ensures that people who have been most affected by the war on drugs have an opportunity to benefit from cannabis legalization rather than continue to face punitive consequences.
Addressing Opposition and Challenges
While HB 1449 offers clear benefits, opposition remains from certain law enforcement agencies, commercial cannabis interests, and policymakers concerned about regulation and enforcement. Some argue that home cultivation could lead to unregulated sales, increased black market activity, and challenges in ensuring compliance with odor and visibility restrictions. However, states that have already legalized home cultivation have implemented safeguards to mitigate these concerns, Where, in these states, concerns over diversion and significant loss of retail sales have not appeared. Furthermore, concerns over enforcement should not outweigh the benefits of decriminalization, consumer rights, and social equity. By adopting clear guidelines and education efforts, Washington can successfully integrate home cultivation into its existing legal framework while preventing abuse.
Time for Washington to Catch Up
"Washington’s cannabis consumers deserve the same rights as those in other legal states, where home cultivation is already a norm," said Dr. Caitlein Ryan, Executive Director at The Cannabis Alliance. "HB 1449 brings fairness, personal freedom, and a long-overdue update to our cannabis policies. Legalization should not just mean access for purchase—it should also mean the right to grow, particularly for those who need it most."
The Cannabis Alliance urges legislators, industry stakeholders, and community advocates to rally behind this bill. Public support is vital in ensuring its passage and securing the right for responsible adults to cultivate cannabis at home.
For more information or to get involved in advocacy efforts, visit www.thecannabisalliance.us or contact Executive Director Caitlein Ryan at email@thecannabisalliance.us.
About The Cannabis Alliance
The Cannabis Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of vital, ethical, equitable, and sustainable cannabis industry in Washington State. Through education, advocacy, and policy reform, The Cannabis Alliance works to create a well-regulated cannabis market that benefits consumers, businesses, and communities alike.
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