Green growth: Cannabis celebrates 10 legal years

WASHINGTON STATE — In 2012, Washington voters approved ballot Initiative 502, which allowed for the legal production, sale and consumption of recreational cannabis. In the 10 years since its passing, the cannabis industry has created a robust industry that has contributed millions of dollars in tax revenue for the state and thousands of jobs. “As we were approaching the 10 year anniversary of I-502’s passing, we wanted to be able to wrap our arms around the actual quantitative scope on the market,” said Washington Cannabusiness Association spokesperson Aaron Pickus. Pickus explained that WACA had been asked over the years by different groups about the scope of the cannabis industry in Washington. As a result, the first Washington Cannabusiness Association Economic Impact Analysis was published in December 2021.