Seattle Drops $1,000 HempFest Fine Amid Evidence Questions

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle has dropped a $1,000 fine issued to the nonprofit organization that runs HempFest - the annual summer marijuana celebration.

The city accused Seattle Events, also known as HempFest Central, of operating a marijuana business without a license. The citation was based on a party the organization held April 20 at a private residence, at which its members smoked pot.

The Department of Finance and Administrative Services agreed to drop the citation late Tuesday after The Associated Press raised questions about whether officials had any evidence that the group actually violated city law.

Recreational marijuana use is legal in Washington state for people 21 and over.