Tacoma, WA Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- TMC § 8.28.011
- What's prohibited
- opening/consuming marijuana in public view
- Method
- adopts RCW 69.50.445 by reference
- Chapter
- Ch. 8.28, Narcotics
Summary
Opening a marijuana package or smoking in view of the public is unlawful in Tacoma, which folds the state's public-display penalty directly into its own narcotics chapter.
RCW 69.50.445, “Opening or consuming package containing marijuana, useable marijuana, or marijuana-infused product in view of general public – Penalty,” as now enacted or hereinafter amended, is hereby adopted by reference as if fully set forth herein.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
Tacoma Municipal Code § 8.28.011 adopts RCW 69.50.445 by reference, making it unlawful to open a package containing marijuana, useable marijuana, or a marijuana-infused product, or to consume any of these, in view of the general public anywhere in the city. Because the section folds in the state statute wholesale, Tacoma enforces the same penalty state law sets rather than writing its own fine schedule. The rule sits in Chapter 8.28, Narcotics, next to the city's policy making adult personal possession of 40 grams or less the police department's lowest enforcement priority.
Violations & Fines
Enforcement follows the penalty set by RCW 69.50.445, which Tacoma adopted wholesale: officers can cite anyone who opens or uses marijuana products in view of the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I consume marijuana on my own porch in Tacoma?
Does Tacoma have its own marijuana-display penalty?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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