Did you know, even though you may live in the great state of Washington where marijuana is legal for adults, you can still get in big trouble if you are possessing cannabis? In fact, according to this site, almost 42% of the state is off limits. Why? Because it’s owned by the Federal Government which means federal jurisdiction applies. That’s right, almost half of Washington State.
Here is a short list of places you may want to avoid if you are carrying marijuana.
1. National Park or National Forest
Much of the land owned by the federal government are National Parks or National forests, and are under federal jurisdiction. Rachel Kurtz, cannabis attorney & consultant, mentioned to us that she ‘knows of folks being prosecuted by the feds for small amounts in national parks in Washington.’ We looked this up and found out that more than 27,000 have been cited for bringing marijuana into the State’s National Parks since 2009! That’s almost half of Olympia!
2. U.S. Military Base
A military base such as Joint Base Lewis-McChord, is one place you don’t want to be carrying around any amounts of cannabis. If for any reason you need to visit the base, a friend in the military, or attend a private party at the Officer’s club, you may want to check your pockets before hand just in case your stash falls out while trying to grab your Identification. A U.S. Military base is federal property and federal prohibitions are in effect.
3. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Yes, that neat little museum on 2nd Avenue in downtown Seattle, is technically off limits. It doesn’t look like a National Park but it is. Of course you could walk around with pot in your pockets and most likely wouldn’t need to think twice about it. We just don’t encourage you to reach in your pocket, take out your stash, and show the security guard what you just bought at the local weed shop.
Do you know of any other places in Seattle or Washington State where federal jurisdiction applies?
