The Washington State Liquor Control Board would allow authorized medical marijuana patients to grow up to six plants for personal under a list of recommendations released on Wednesday to the Legislature regarding the regulation of medical marijuana.

A proviso of the state operating budget directed the Liquor Control Board to work with the state departments of Revenue and Health to develop recommendations regarding the interaction of medical marijuana regulations and the emerging recreational marijuana system, according to a board media release.

Staff from the three agencies prepared draft recommendations for the board in eight categories that included possession amounts, medical marijuana authorizing requirements, taxation and other topics. Staff provided its draft recommendations to the Board on Oct. 21. The board reviewed written public input as well as held a special public meeting on Nov. 13.

The board accepted many of the staff recommendations with one major exception regarding the recommended prohibition on home growing of medical marijuana. The board is recommending allowing authorized medical marijuana patients up to six plants for personal use.

Here is the Liquor Control Board statement regarding its recommendations:

The Liquor Control Board has largely accepted staff’s recommendations with one major exception. We are recommending that authorized medical marijuana patients be allowed to grow up to six plants for personal use.

This decision is based on multiple conversations with the medical community, medical marijuana dispensary owners, medical professionals and others. Opinions are diverse. Ultimately, if a medical professional believes an authorized patient may benefit from the medical use of marijuana, we recommend that that individual may grow a limited number of plants at home for personal use.

These recommendations fulfill the requirement in the budget proviso found in Section 141 that requires the Liquor Control Board to make recommendations regarding the interaction of medical marijuana regulations and the emerging recreational marijuana system by Jan. 1, 2014. The process now moves to the Legislature for consideration during the 2014 legislative session.