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LAWMAKERS NEED TO FIX THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA MESS

This state's medicinal marijuana law is a wreck.  Attempts to clarify the voter-approved law during the 2011 legislative session imploded when the governor vetoed large portions of the measure aimed at legalizing cannabis dispensaries.

Between them, lawmakers and Gov.  Chris Gregoire have created quite a mess, increased uncertainty and left patients and suppliers totally confused about their legal status.  Add in federal raids on marijuana dispensaries in Spokane and the people of this state are left with a jumbled mess that merits legislative action.

Now that lawmakers have completed their work for the year and adopted a balanced 2011-13 state operating budget, it's time for medicinal cannabis supporters like Sen.  Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, to draw the players together to see where compromises can be found and clarity added to state law.  If consensus can be reached, a bill should be ready to run early in the 2012 session.  If the issue cannot wait until then and the feds continue their raids, a special one-day legislative session can be held to clarify the law and clean up the mess from the governor's veto.

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