Seattle City Attorney apologizes for bringing legal pot back to government office

Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes talking to reporters outside of Cannabis City, Seattle's first store for sales of legal recreational pot. Holmes bought two bags. (Photo: KCPQ-TV)



SEATTLE -- Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes apologized Friday for violating city rules by taking his newly bought marijuana back to his government office.

Holmes, who had pushed for the legalization of marijuana, was one of the first people in line Tuesday when retail shops in the state opened to sell legal, recreational marijuana. He bought two bags at Seattle's Cannabis City shop in the Sodo district.

"The City of Seattle is a 'drug-free workplace' under federal law, and our personnel rules reflect these sound workplace policies. Not only are controlled substances (like marijuana) banned from city offices, City employees cannot possess them while on City business.

"When I brought the unopened marijuana to City offices – trying to keep up with a busy schedule -- I nonetheless violated the City’s rules," Holmes said in a written statement. "At the end of the business day, I took the marijuana home and left it there, still unopened, before I participated in the second 'Community Walk of the Mayor’s Summer of Safety.'

"I have discussed the violation with the City Personnel Department director, and I have volunteered to donate $3,000 to the Downtown Emergency Service Center. I apologize to my employees, all City employees and to the public," Holmes said.