Mapping Variations in Local Marijuana Laws in Washington State to Study the Impact on Health Outcomes and Disparities

Washington State is among the first to legalize recreational marijuana. Local ordinances already exist to regulate medical marijuana, but a strong state medical regulatory framework does not exist. It is unclear how variations in local laws will impact marijuana access, use, initiation, and related outcomes such as injury and crime, particularly among youth. This project will collect ordinances from a cohort of all Washington cities/counties in June and November of 2014 (and annually after the project period), focusing on changes in zoning and other local restrictions/conditions related to marijuana growing and sales/distribution.