Washington Initiative 502

Washington Initiative 502 was a 2012 ballot measure that legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and older. It established a regulated market for cultivation, processing, and sales, overseen by state agencies. The initiative aimed to reduce illegal drug activity, generate tax revenue, and ensure product safety through testing and licensing. It also set limits on possession and defined regulations for advertising and public use. Overall, I-502 aimed to shift marijuana from an illegal substance to a regulated industry, balancing personal freedom with public health and safety considerations.