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Can I Smoke Joints Outside?

Posted by Mark Garka | Jan 18, 2019 | 0 Comments

Although the laws are changing to recognize the medicinal value of marijuana and its benefits as a safer social drug than alcohol, the use of marijuana is still illegal in many locations throughout Washington state.

In fact, the only certain place where you can safely smoke marijuana is within the privacy of your own home. This is partly because marijuana has become so potent that even secondhand exposure can inebriate passers-by who inhale it.

While the secondhand smoke exposure to marijuana is not going to kill you, it can activate CBD receptors in your brain that can make you feel the effects. For people who are under stress to do a lot of serious work, this can interfere with their short-term memory and occupational obligations.

If you do run into trouble with the law, you may need a Snohomish County marijuana DUI attorney.

Places Where it is Illegal to Smoke Marijuana in Washington State

Because of the annoyance that secondhand exposure presents, users should respect the choice of others to remain cannabis-free by simply avoiding situations where the marijuana smoke can be seen or smelled. The following is a list of places where it is not safe to smoke marijuana.

  • Public places (including bars, pubs, clubs, and lounges)

  • Places visible to the public

  • Hotels and commercial lodging

  • Restaurants

  • Places where tobacco smoke is forbidden

  • Point of purchase (cannabis retailer)

  • Stadiums and venues that host music or sport events

  • Federal parks, reserves, lands, forests, and buildings

  • Indian reservations (some)

  • Places where alcohol use is prescribed

  • Motor vehicles

  • Boats

Potential Penalties

The penalties are bifurcated between federal and state jurisdiction. If you are caught on federal lands, you will be prosecuted under federal laws with harsher penalties. Federal law does not recognize the legality of marijuana but, for the most part, respects the sovereignty of the states under the Tenth Amendment and is reluctant to interfere for small infractions.

Under state law, you can still be hit with a citation or ticket with a monetary fine for any violation of these public order peace ordinances.

If you are operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated on marijuana, it falls under marijuana DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws. Defendants benefit greatly from the services of a Mill Creek DUI defense attorney in these complex cases. Police treat using marijuana or driving while high on marijuana in the same manner as alcohol intoxication.

Our firm can work with you mitigate or eliminate the negative consequences associated with a marijuana DUI charge. Always demand your right to contact an attorney before speaking with police about a marijuana DUI. Call our team at the Law Office of Mark W. Garka, PLLC today to help seek the defense to save yourself from potential conviction.

About the Author

Mark Garka

Mark is a solo-practitioner who limits his practice to DUI Defense. During Law School, he worked in the Juvenile Division for the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and he also worked in the Corrections Division at the Attorney General's Office. After completing his degree, he clerked...

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