Inslee among governors seeking meeting with Sessions on legal pot

OLYMPIA – Jay Inslee joined three other governors from Western states that have legalized marijuana in asking for a meeting with federal officials opposed to it.

Inslee, along with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Colorado Gov. Bill Hickenlooper and Alaska Gov. Bill Walker are asking that previous federal policy continue that allows for the states to proceed with their systems as long as certain guidelines are followed.

“We understand you and others in the administration have some concerns regarding marijuana,” they wrote in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. But they are committed to “implementing the will of our citizens” and have worked to establish strict regulations that protect public health and safety.

Inslee and state Attorney General Bob Ferguson sent Sessions a letter in February, asking for a meeting on marijuana. They have not yet received a reply, Inslee’s office said in the press release announcing the latest letter.