It passed the state House of Representatives yesterday, 54 to 43, to the delight of its advocates in the chamber—particularly Reps. Eileen Cody (D-34) and Roger Goodman (D-45)—and to cheers from activists who have been monitoring all the twists and turns of this long legislative march.

"We're thrilled," said Philip Dawdy, spokesman for the Washington Cannabis Association. "The bill got through the House with an 11 vote margin, and 28 amendments were offered—many of them very bad amendments—but only five of them were adopted."

What's next?

"We're looking forward to the House-Senate concurrence committee," Dawdy said, "and to getting a good bill to Gov. Gregoire, one that cleans up our state's medical cannabis law once and for all and stops the absurdity of legitimate patients being arrested. Our only regret is that the so-called pizza amendment did not get a proper debate!"

Indeed.