Weed gardening in Seattle

On June 10, the Seattle City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed ordinance relating to land use and zoning for marijuana-related activities.  The Council's Marijuana in Seattle webpage provides more information.

Marijuana agricultural size limitation
The proposed ordinance states that "indoor agricultural operations" for growing marijuana "greater than 10,000 square feet are prohibited."

Marijuana business location restrictions
It also states that "The production, processing, selling, and delivery of marijuana, marijuana-infused products, or useable marijuana that involve more than 45 marijuana plants, 72 ounces of useable marijuana, or an amount of marijuana-infused product that could reasonably be produced with 72 ounces of useable marijuana, may not be conducted in association with business establishments or dwellings located in" single and multi-family zones; Downtown; and several landmark districts including the "Sand Point Overlay District."

Recreational vs. medical marijuana gardens
What the ordinance does not do is differentiate between individual personal medical marijuana gardens and recreational marijuana gardens.  According to a map prepared by the City of Seattle Department of Planning and Development, this leaves the entire City open for all (medical and recreational) personal gardens of up to 45 marijuana plants.  Several neighborhood associations have contacted the City Council asking them to delay their June 10 vote until this issue is reviewed further by community members.

According to Initiative 502, personal recreational marijuana gardens are illegal and all recreational marijuana-related activities must be at least 1,000 feet from schools, child care centers, parks, and other places frequented by children.