Pubdate: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 Source: Seattle Times (WA) Section: Around the Northwest Page: B3 Copyright: 2014 The Seattle Times Company Contact: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409 Note: from Times staff and news services STATE TURNS DOWN POT-BUS BUSINESS After a wave of media attention, the state transportation commission shot down the burgeoning potbus industry in a notice Thursday. According to Capitol Hill Seattle, Weed Bus operators thought they'd found a loophole in state law that allows pot smoking in vehicles "if there is a divider between the driver and the passengers." "We save you the effort of researching the shops by driving you straight there, and then you can smoke right on the bus!" advertises the Weed Bus website. The Utilities and Transportation Commission disagreed with that idea and notified charter and excursion operators. "You may not permit consumption or use of marijuana products on state-permitted charter and excursion vehicles, nor permit a driver to be exposed to marijuana smoke or vapor." What's the logic? "The commission believes activity in your vehicles is 'in view of the general public,' " said the notice to operators. "Your vehicles are 'a public place' or a 'place of employment.' " Under state law, you can't consume pot in public or at work. Times staff and news services - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D