The Foley Institute’s Coffee & Politics series continues with Chris Marr, who will discuss: “A Long, Strange Trip: Legalizing Recreational Marijuana in Washington.”
Over a year ago, the voters of Washington and Colorado legalized the recreational use of cannabis at the ballot box. One of the State’s three top marijuana regulators, former State Senator Chris Marr, of the Washington State Liquor Control Board, will discuss the challenges of balancing direct democracy with good public policy. Learn about what the new recreational marijuana system will look like, how it will be taxed and regulated, and the challenges of dealing with federal pre-emption, local government bans, banking regulations, a robust illicit market and a largely unregulated medical marijuana industry.
Chris Marr became the first Democrat elected to the state legislature from Spokane’s Sixth District after a thirty-year career in business. In the State Senate, he served as Majority Whip and Vice-Chair of Transportation. In 2011, he was appointed to the Liquor Control Board by Gov. Gregoire. His public policy background includes leadership in the areas healthcare, energy, transportation and economic development.
Join us for pizza, pop, and interesting conversation. RSVP to relgar@wsu.edu.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Noon – 1 p.m.
Foley Speaker’s Room
308 Bryan Hall
