A look at Portugal’s drug experiment, what’s working and what’s not
PORTUGAL, August 10, 2023—In July 2001 Portugal made a paradigm shift in how it handled drug crimes. The Portuguese Drug Policy Model implemented that year, decriminalized the public and private use, acquisition, and possession of all legal drugs if the amount did not surpass a 10-day supply. The decision was intent on moving drug use, […]
Lynnwood to address drug enforcement measures on July 24
LYNNWOOD, Wash., July 11, 2023—The Lynnwood City Council will act on drug enforcement measures during their next business meeting on July 24, according to Council President Shannon Sessions. During the council’s July 7 business meeting, Sessions gave an update on the council’s plans regarding the Blake decision and the city’s drug ordinance passed back in […]
Those convicted of a drug crime in Snohomish County urged to seek Blake relief
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 26, 2023—State v. Blake is a 2021 Washington State Supreme Court decision that held that the drug possession law was unconstitutional. If you were convicted of soliciting possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, or certain other drug related misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses in Snohomish County District Court you […]
Mayors across Snohomish County support recriminalizing illegal drugs
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 6, 2023—Fifteen mayors represented by the Mayors and Business Leaders for Public Safety coalition, join forces in a letter urging the Snohomish County Council to pass proposed Ordinance 23-046 to recriminalize controlled and counterfeit substances. “Currently, cites in Snohomish County and across Washington state are looking to enact laws governing the possession […]
Inslee announces Special Session, County leadership split on illegal drug policy
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 3, 2023—Hours after Snohomish County led the state in proposing an ordinance to recriminalize illegal drugs after the failure of legislature’s passage of the “Blake fix,” Governor Jay Inslee announced that he will call a special session to begin on May 16 that will focus on passing a new drug possession […]
County to consider scheduling a Public Hearing on ordinance to re-criminalize illegal drugs
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 1, 2023—At its upcoming Administrative Meeting on Tuesday, May 2, the Snohomish County Council is expected to vote on scheduling a Public Hearing for May 17 to propose an ordinance re-criminalizing controlled and counterfeit substances. To view the meeting’s agenda, click here. The ordinance, sponsored by Council President Jared Mead and […]
Possession of controlled substances will be legal in Washington state starting July 1
OLYMPIA, Wash., April 24, 2023—The 2023 legislative session ended last night without the passage of a new state law on the possession of controlled substances, leaving it now up to counties and cities to put local drug-possession laws in place once the state law adopted in 2021 expires on July 1. SB-5536, also known as […]
In case you missed it: Bills the legislature passed before cut off this week
OLYMPIA, Wash., April 15, 2023—As the 2023 Legislative Session approaches its close on April 23, the Senate and House are both racing to vote upon bills passed by their opposite chambers. Wednesday, April 12, was the session’s first official cut-off date to vote on these such bills and a lot of key legislation now heads […]
