Two initiatives are in the works for Washington, one for 2011 and one for 2012.

The 2011 measure, called the Marijuana Reform and Legislation Act, is a cession law, in that it simply repeals the state’s marijuana prohibition laws, ceding the burden of enforcement to the feds, just as, during Prohibition (1920-33), New York did in 1923, Massachusetts in 1930 and eleven other states did in 1932. It also directs the legislature to adopt “rules, regulations, and, if appropriate, taxes regarding marijuana consistent with the intent of this initiative,” cautiously providing that “No reimposition of criminal penalties of any kind is permitted.” For more on this go to SensibleWashington.com.

The latest word (July 8, 2011) is that the proponents have failed to collect sufficient signatures to put the measure on the November, 2011, ballot.

The 2012 measure, called the New Approach Initiative to Legalize, Tax Regulate, is a comprehensive regulation and taxation measure, similar to the Massachusetts bill and others that aim to tax and regulate the cannabis industry like the alcohol industry. It amends the controlled substances act by inserting marijuana as a commodity subject to regulation and taxation, authorizing licenses for production, processing and retail sale to adults, and imposing a tax of 25% whenever the product passes from the producer to the processor, and from the processor to the retailer. An implied consent rule subjects drivers to the loss of their license if the THC concentration in their blood exceeds 5%. For more go to New Approach Washington.