Following Up With Initiative 502 - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

SPOKANE, Wash. - Right now in Washington state, Initiative 502 continues to pass. 

Initiative 502 legalizes the possession of an ounce of Marijuana in Washington state for those over 21. The plant is still classified under Federal Law as a Schedule I drug and anyone detained under the legal age of 21 with over an ounce of Marijuana, or growing the plant illegally will be prosecuted under federal law.

This initiative stated that the plant will be taxed very heavily. Many feel that the taxing of Marijuana will be a very good thing, because it will bring an immense amount of money to our state for health care and education. 

Both gubernatorial candidates Rob McKenna and Jay Inslee voted against the legalization, but since it's passing, leading candidate Jay Inslee has stated that he will work to implement the initiatives.

Rob McKenna feels that since the plant is still a Schedule I drug, the Federal Government will move forward and still prosecute under Federal Law.

Our reporter Alex Rozier received a statement from newly elected Police Chief Frank Straub stating, "The SPD will respect both Washington State and federal laws in regards to possession and usage of Marijuana. As it stands, the initiative has been passed by the voters and we will await direction from our state government regarding appropriate laws."