Washington statute
RCW 69.50.612 — State preemption—Drug paraphernalia
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 69.50: Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Revised Code of Washington.
Full text of RCW 69.50.612
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official text of the Revised Code of Washington from the Code Reviser's published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Washington.
(1) The state of Washington hereby fully occupies and preempts the entire field of drug paraphernalia regulation within the boundaries of the state including regulation of the use, selling, giving, delivery, and possession of drug paraphernalia, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section. Cities, towns, and counties or other municipalities may enact only those laws and ordinances relating to drug paraphernalia that are specifically authorized by state law and are consistent with this chapter. Such local ordinances must have the same penalty as provided for by state law. Local laws and ordinances that are inconsistent with, more restrictive than, or exceed the requirements of state law may not be enacted and are preempted and repealed, regardless of the nature of the code, charter, or home rule status of such city, town, county, or municipality.
(2) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit cities or counties from enacting laws or ordinances relating to the establishment or regulation of harm reduction services concerning drug paraphernalia.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.