Washington State Initiative 502

Washington State Initiative 502, passed in 2012, legalized recreational marijuana use for adults aged 21 and over. It established a regulated system for the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis, aiming to reduce illegal drug trafficking and generate tax revenue. The initiative also outlined rules for possession limits and set a legal framework for driving under the influence of marijuana. Its implementation marked a significant shift in drug policy, reflecting changing attitudes towards marijuana in the U.S. and promoting public health and safety through regulation rather than prohibition.