Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Kent

Kent, WA Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing rule
KCC 9.02.520 adopts RCW 69.50.445
Offense class
Class 3 civil infraction, not criminal
Base penalty
$50 under RCW 7.80.120
Public place definition
Borrows RCW 66.04.010, minus exclusions
Enforcing court
Kent Municipal Court

Summary

Opening a cannabis package or consuming cannabis where the general public can see it is unlawful in Kent under RCW 69.50.445, adopted into Kent City Code 9.02.520. A violation is a class 3 civil infraction, not a crime, carrying Washington's $50 base penalty.

9.02.520 RCW Title 69, entitled “Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Poisons” – Adoption by reference. ... 69.50.445 Opening package of or consuming cannabis, useable cannabis, cannabis-infused products, or cannabis concentrates in view of general public or public place – Penalty. ... (1) It is unlawful to open a package containing cannabis, useable cannabis, cannabis-infused products, or cannabis concentrates, or consume cannabis, useable cannabis, cannabis-infused products, or cannabis concentrates, in view of the general public or in a public place. ... (3) A person who violates this section is guilty of a class 3 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW.

View official code

Full Breakdown

445 directly into city law. 010 but drops that statute's usual exclusions, so the reach is broader than the liquor-law definition. 80 RCW rather than a criminal charge, meaning Kent officers issue a citation rather than an arrest for simple public consumption. 120 sets the class 3 civil infraction penalty at a $50 base amount, not including the statutory assessments state law adds on top of every infraction. 010(D) has Kent 'assume jurisdiction' over misdemeanors and adopted infractions committed within city limits, the citation is returnable to Kent Municipal Court rather than King County District Court. 445' directly on the ticket.

Violations & Fines

A violation is a class 3 civil infraction under RCW 7.80.120, carrying a $50 base penalty before statutory assessments are added, cited to Kent Municipal Court. It is not a criminal charge, so no jail exposure attaches, but repeat citations still accumulate through the municipal court's infraction docket under KCC 9.02.520.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is smoking marijuana in public illegal in Kent?
Yes. RCW 69.50.445, adopted into Kent City Code 9.02.520, makes it unlawful to open a cannabis package or consume cannabis, useable cannabis, cannabis-infused products, or cannabis concentrates in view of the general public or in a public place. It is treated as a civil infraction rather than a crime, so an officer issues a citation rather than making an arrest.
How much is the fine for public cannabis consumption in Kent?
It's a class 3 civil infraction under RCW 7.80.120, which sets the base penalty at $50, not including the statutory assessments Washington adds to every infraction citation. The ticket is processed through Kent Municipal Court under the city's adoption-by-reference ordinance, KCC 9.02.520.
Does Kent use the same 'public place' definition as its liquor laws?
Partly. RCW 69.50.445(2) borrows the 'public place' definition from RCW 66.04.010, the state liquor statute, but specifically states that RCW 66.04.011's usual exclusions do not apply, making the cannabis rule reach places that would otherwise be carved out of the liquor definition.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kent

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsPublic UrinationSome RestrictionsSkateboarding RulesLight RestrictionsOutdoor Smoking RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsSome Restrictions

All Kent rules

Compare Kent to another location·View the Washington public conduct overview

Get notified when Public Marijuana Use in Kent, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Public Marijuana Use in Nearby Cities

How other cities in King County handle public marijuana use.

Bellevue, WA
Some Restrictions
Federal Way, WA
Some Restrictions
Seattle, WA
Significant Restrictions