OLYMPIA -- Washington legislators are considering punishing minors who attempt to buy marijuana from state-regulated stores with civil infractions instead of criminal penalties.

"Any type of drug conviction sticks with you forever," said. Rep. Christopher Hurst, D-Enumclaw. "On some of the more minor offenses, that might be disproportionately harsh."

Rep. Christopher Hurst, D-Enumclaw

Initiative 502, which Washington voters passed in 2012, legalized regulated recreational use of marijuana for anyone 21 and older. Marijuana will be sold through state-regulated retailers.

State lawmakers have been pushing several follow-up bills through committee to clarify different aspects of how the new marijuana law will be implemented.

House Bill 2303, which was brought to the House Government Accountability and Oversight Committee Thursday at the request of the Liquor Control Board, would establish criminal misdemeanor penalties for minors who attempt to buy pot.

Olympia paralegal Arthur West testified against the bill, saying he did not think it was appropriate to punish first-time offenders with criminal penalties considering Initiative 502's overall mission and the long-term implications of a drug conviction. For example, a drug conviction can make it harder for a person to receive federal student aid.

“I don’t think just buying marijuana at a store where everyone else is something that they ought to carry a criminal conviction for,” West said. “That could stigmatize them, deny them federal aid, deny them student loans and deny them certain housing abilities.”

West’s sentiment seemed to resonate with the government oversight committee.

“He brought up a good point,” said Hurst, the committee chairman.

Hurst said the committee will consider alternatives, such as punishing first-time offenders with civil penalties rather than criminal ones.

“It would give you an opportunity to screw up and learn your lesson,” Hurst said.

Hurst made it clear he did not take underage marijuana use lightly.

“I don’t want to minimize that it’s a serious thing,” Hurst said.

Liquor Control Board leaders have yet to give their opinion on that idea.

A minor convicted of attempting to purchase alcohol is guilty of a criminal misdemeanor under Washington state law. The crime is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine, with a minimum fine of $250.

-- Conor King Devitt