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Everything cannabis, pot, or weed in Seattle.

Three Changes I would Like to Happen for the Seattle Marijuana Industry

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Marijuana legalization is slowly making its way through various states in the country, with Ohio possibly becoming the next legalized state. Every state’s legalization is unique, and the freedoms that come along with legalization vary. For example, Portland has public places where people can gather and smoke cannabis they brought with them; whereas, in Alaska, public consumption of marijuana may result in a $100 fine. Seattle has some excellent retailers and an inspiring industry. Though, there are three particulars in Seattle’s industry that I would love to see actioned.

We Really Need Public Spaces to Come Together and Smoke

High Above Seattle wrote an article about this before, but it is an important issue which deserves further recognition. Portland just opened its own public establishment where people can come to smoke together. Patrons bring their own cannabis to use and paraphernalia is provided by the establishment. This solves the issue of purchasing marijuana and having nowhere to consume it if you are a tourist, or if you live somewhere where you are not allowed to smoke indoors.

Tourists are very limited in where they can enjoy cannabis in Seattle. Really, everyone is limited. It would be wonderful to have a couple of businesses where people can meet up, much like they do at a bar, to enjoy cannabis together. This would not only help the industry, it would help individuals become acquainted with others who share interests and learn more about cannabis together.

The Freedom to Grow Cannabis at Home

In many respects, Washington is not as liberal as other legal states in regards to its cannabis laws. In Colorado, a household is allowed to grow up to six plants, with three flowering at a time. Home-growing in Seattle is illegal, due in part to the tight hold that the government wishes to have on the industry along with the fact that this could potentially facilitate easier black-market dealings.

Oregonians are also allowed to grow their own plants, four plants per residence to be precise. Washington also does not allow legal, large-scale growers to sell their own cannabis and are instead required to go through retailers; other legal states allow growers to sell, which helps growers profit even more.

Growing cannabis in your own home would be an excellent freedom in Washington.

No More Cannabis-Specific Drug Testing for Employment

When I first moved to Washington I was enamored by the industry and excited for employees who worked for employers who would have drug tested before cannabis was made legal, believing now those employees could smoke and no longer worry about keeping their job. When I relayed this excitement to friends here, they were quick to point out that employers are still allowed to drug test for cannabis use and not hire, or fire, an employee for failing. This can be a worry for those who use marijuana, or even just CBD. Although, there is now information available on how to pass a hair follicle drug test. Most users of the cannabinoid CBD are using it for medicinal reasons to, therefore, improve their general and work life, but there is always the concern that CBD could class as a fail for marijuana drug tests. If you’re someone who regularly uses CBD, you’ll need more information from sites like Veritas Farms concerning drug tests; if you’re a user of cannabis itself, there’s no doubt you’ll fail the test. There are a variety of variables that go into companies testing for cannabis. Unfortunately, it isn’t a flawless system and seems unfair at times. However, when it comes to making sense of the law regarding drug testing and cannabis, it’s important that you take it into consideration. Fortunately, if you’re a marijuana user, you can find information online or through your local dispensary that can help you to understand more about cannabis testing, what tests look for, and how the law applies to you. You can click here to learn more.

I know there aren’t too many employers who still test for cannabis use though some that do employ tons of people. I understand that much of the testing has to do with federal involvement, though it would be wonderful if those who live in a legal state did not have to worry about being punished for consuming cannabis. As of right now if they wanted to continue consuming cannabis they’d have to look into resources such as How to Pass A Drug Test – Health Street or other articles relating to trying to beat their employers’ test. This is definitely a complex issue that deserves more attention at a later time.

Basically, gaining more freedoms to consume cannabis and grow cannabis would make Washington a legality front-runner. Of course, living in a legal state is amazing in its own right. Though, if improvements can be made, why not address them and create further positive change?

What freedoms would you like to see in the Seattle cannabis industry? Let us know in the comments; we would love to hear what you have to say!

A Night of Legal and Sega Genesis: Cannabis-Infused Soda Review

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This weekend I was pining for some old-school games and quality couch time. To help facilitate this relaxing evening, I ventured to my neighborhood cannabis provider, Stash Pot Shop in Ballard. I informed the personable and knowledgeable staff that I was looking for a relaxing body high in edible form and, after chatting about a couple of different Indica offerings, decided on a treat that I have been curious about for quite some time: Legal Lemon Ginger Soda by Mirth Provisions.

Once home I snuggled into some sweatpants, opened the Legal bottle, curled up with my miniature schnauzer and gathered all of the games for Sega Genesis that my fiance owns. Since I have been planning on making a trip to Full Tilt soon, I put in Battletoads as a warm up and took the first four ounces of Legal.

Mirth Provisions Legal Lemon Ginger Soda Review

I really like that the Legal bottles come with measuring cups, for those (like me) who are particular about how much they consume. The bottle holds 11.5 oz. of beverage, with 20 mg of THC for the entire bottle. Two servings per bottle are recommended. I quickly took another ounce after the initial dose because it is so delicious. The flavor tastes hand crafted, like homemade soda found at some of Seattle’s farmers’ markets. The lemon is zesty and has a lingering tartness while the ginger is warm and slightly spicy.

This particular Legal soda is, according to the bottle, designed to provide a “super-relaxing body buzz and a smooth, freeing head high.” About the moment that I was descending my toad down the long tunnel with the snake-like monsters, I started to feel very relaxed. I would guess the timing to be a little over half an hour. I was at 5 oz. and extremely relaxed, trying hard to keep my toad alive. Battletoads is one of the harder old games I know of, so I made sure to revel in some bad-guy ass kicking when I was successful.

Legal-Mirth-Provisions-Legal-Lemon-Ginger-Soda-review-2

At about one hour into the high I was melted into the couch and it was creeping into my head. I am not a huge fan of heady highs, but this was so relaxing that it only added to my experience. I switched out Battletoads for my personal favorite hand-held device game, Aladdin. The high was the perfect accompaniment to a night of old-school gaming. I did not want to leave the couch, not even for food. I am definitely more fond of snacking when I am high (in general I am not a snacker), but this particular high was void of food cravings; odd, but fine by me! I had a large dinner before heading home with Legal anyway so that probably had a lot to do with it.

About three hours into the high and seriously bombing through Aladdin, I became quite sleepy. I feel there was a twinge of tired throughout the whole high, simply due to how relaxing it was. I ended up turning off the game and dosing off into a very restful sleep.

Legal was the perfect addition to an evening spent on the couch with old games. I highly recommend it! Let us know if you have tried Legal; if you have, what aspect of the high was your favorite? We would love to hear about your experience!

Summer Over? Who Cares! Weed-Vacation in Beautiful Ocean Shores

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Ocean Shores Washington State

The essence of pumpkin spice lattes is in the air and every supermarket storefront in Seattle is overwhelmed by warty gourds. Fall is upon us! Though, just as there are those who never want to grow up, there are those who never want to leave summer. Many people are forcefully pulled from summer, kicking and screaming. If you fall into this category of human, I am here to tell you that you don’t have to give up summer! All you have to do is head to Ocean Shores, Washington, the Neverland for fall naysayers. The city is gorgeous and the businesses unique; if you follow this trip itinerary you will be in for a treat!

 

Grey Gull Condos Ocean Shores

Credit: TheGreyGull.com

 

The Perfect Place to Rest Your Head: Grey Gull Condominiums

The drive from Seattle to Ocean Shores takes a little over two hours, so a day trip is entirely possible. But, really, you know you want to spend a whole day exploring the city and not worry about making the trip back to Seattle the same day. So don’t. Just check in at the Grey Gull which features individual, rentable condos. Opt for an ocean-view room on the second floor with a fireplace and unique furnishings, which may or may not feel like you are staying in your well-to-do grandparents’ home (not in a weird way, rather a happy nostalgic way, I promise). Once you have dropped your luggage and have sat in the bathtub to size-test (am I the only one who does that?), head out for the area’s finest clam chowder.

 

Ocean Shores Lighthouse Fish & Chips

Credit: Yelp

 

When in Rome, Eat Fish and More Fish! Lighthouse Fish and Chips

There is this fantastic, tiny lighthouse which serves the area’s best fish and chips and clam chowder. A place where every guest is met with a smile and more often than not a personal conversation with the friendly owner. A place where dreams of crispy, not greasy, fish and chips and clam-y clam chowder come true. Lighthouse Fish and Chips is a local favorite that you cannot miss. The inside is small, but the hearts running the place are large and stomachs leaving the place even larger. After indulging here, head on over to a local favorite establishment to pick up a bit of an after-meal relaxant.

 

Credit: Haveaheart.com

Credit: Haveaheart.com

 

Get High With the Tide: Have a Heart Marijuana Shop

If you are reading this article, you most likely agree that marijuana is a wonderful night cap. You probably also agree that marijuana is the perfect night cap while vacationing by the ocean. Lucky for you, Have a Heart is located right near the ocean on Ocean Shores Blvd. This recreational marijuana shop is staffed with friendly and knowledgeable budtenders who can point all levels of cannabis user, from tourist to expert, to the perfect strain for the high they are seeking. Hook yourself up with some Purple Grinspoon or Cookies and Cream (one of the highest rated current strands for this shop) and cap your night off right.

If you are seeking my two cents (why else would you be reading this article), I think you should head to Ocean Shores next chance you get to partake in this aforementioned adventure. Please let us know when you do so we can live vicariously, and enjoy yourself to the fullest living in fall denial!

Note: Have a Heart is an advertiser for HAS.

Women in Marijuana [Part 2] Feat. Clutch Cannabis

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As someone who has not been a part of the Washington cannabis scene for a super long time, seeing it flourish and become so relevant in a short amount of time is a real treat. Though, because I am somewhat new to the scene, I also have an understanding of how misunderstood and feared marijuana is in other areas of the country. This is disappointing; if people did their research, they’d know that cannabis should not be feared and has many health benefits. By visiting sites like Oregrown, which you can Click here to view, more could be learned about cannabis. Thankfully, the stigma that clings to marijuana is slowly becoming obsolete, which in part is thanks to the work being done here and in other legal states to make marijuana approachable and understood. A huge part of facilitating this understanding, women in the Washington cannabis industry are forging new paths and adding to the industry in tremendous ways.

The women in Washington state are really doing amazing things to change cannabis’ negative reputation, helping others realise that they can buy topicals online to help with their ailments, as well as in in-person stores. The passion that women bring to cannabis is contagious and exciting to see and talk about. Not everyone is familiar with this passion, or any positives about the industry. The feelings numerous people still have about marijuana can be very hard to believe. It is definitely a shock when I visit friends and family in other areas of the country and am met with lots of nervous energy and disbelief when I speak about the Washington cannabis industry. They simply do not understand the magnitude of what is happening here.

women in marijuana

When I encounter someone who is nervous about marijuana, I want to help them understand the incredible things happening because of cannabis, with websites like https://amuse.com/california/los-angeles being there for people in need and adding to the economy. Tremendous economic success is a familiar talking point, but I love adding an exciting twist that peaks my listeners’ interest: Women in cannabis are a driving force and offer a “breath of fresh air to the current male-dominated cannabis industry.”

As the store manager of Clutch Cannabis, Ashley is deep in the cannabis culture of the area and loves every minute of it. She offered some great insight into what it is like working in an industry that is doing so much good, but is fighting a sometimes debilitating stigma. The legal marijuana industry is continuously developing in ways that no one has seen business develop before. In the midst of this exciting change are people who believe that marijuana is harmful, people who are trying to stop its growth by fostering negative ideas in their communities. Shedding this negativity is a huge task but is so important for the future of cannabis. Women like Ashley are tackling this head on, working tirelessly to make cannabis approachable for everyone.

Creating this welcoming environment around something so controversial is not easy. Though, it is 100% achievable with the right mindset. Ashley and her team believe that marijuana is universal and they are on a mission to share all of the good that it brings to culture as a whole. Cannabis is deeply engrained in numerous aspects of culture, from art to science; economics to world history. The women of the industry will stop at nothing to help others see the incredible positives of marijuana and the tight-knit, inspiring communities it creates.

Women are a driving force for marijuana business, as well as marijuana acceptance. They bring so much to the industry; their positive presence is unstoppable and undeniable. The future of cannabis is all the brighter because of the women involved in pioneering the industry. And that, my friends, is only going to help us all.

Note: Clutch Cannabis is an advertiser for HAS.

Stash Pot Shop: Bringing Ballard’s Community Closer

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Ballard has gained an incredible community addition in Stash Pot Shop. The shop incorporates its motto–Community, Culture, Cannabis–into every aspect of its business. Located just off of Ballard Ave. and in the midst of popular businesses like Shelter Lounge, Hilliards and Cafe Mox, Stash Pot Shop adds to the inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere of the area. The shop’s quality product selection and its welcoming ambiance are definitely worthy of repeat visits.

Stash Pot Shop Seattle Ballard

Photo Credit: Stash Pot Shop

 

Stash Pot Shop had its grand opening on Saturday. The shop was hopping all day with 19 vendors and tons of excited patrons. The energy emitted on opening day showcased the vibe that Stash Pot Shop is intent on bringing to the area. A key component in relaying that vibe, the budtenders are friendly, observant and knowledgeable. With smiling faces, they knew exactly which products to suggest to all levels of cannabis users. They are an interesting mix of people who were sought after for their positions. Thousands of people applied to be a budtender at Stash Pot Shop, but only a handful made the cut. They are artists, analysts, customer-service experts, cannabis users… they are a huge part of what makes Stash Pot Shop so great.

Stash Seattle Pot Shop in Ballard

Now, let’s speak a bit about Stash Pot Shop’s extensive product offerings. Their opening day selection was eclectic and all-encompassing, to say the least. The spacious glass display cases (submerged in gorgeous cherry wood) currently feature cookies from Winterlife Cannabis and The Goodship Company, among others. Ethos products are currently available, as well as High Altitude and Doc Croc. There are many pre-rolled options to accompany an impressive flower selection. The selection will change often to highlight many important aspects of the industry through numerous cannabis products. All the shop’s offerings are listed on three large television screens which display the selections of oils, flowers, edibles, etc.

Each product offered is hand picked by Shea, the mastermind behind the product selection, and his dad. They drove countless miles to find the best flower producers and vetted each option to provide only the best. You can be sure that the quality here is top-notch.

Stash Seattle Pot Shop in Ballard

Photo Credit: Stash Pot Shop

 

The product is kept in cherry-wood drawers behind the counter. The shop’s creative design is definitely efficient. As I observed budtenders locating products for customers, I realized how well organized the shop is and how fluid everything was operating. KC, the shop’s owner, was a treat to chat with while he relayed his vision: a beautiful space, attention to detail and helping cannabis become approachable.

Stash Pot Shop is a great outlet for tourists and locals who are still not quite sure how they feel about legal cannabis. The people involved in this shop intend to negate the taboo which has clung to cannabis for decades and welcome everyone with high-quality products, a sophisticated shop layout, and friendly faces. Stash Pot Shop wants to represent the artistry and quality that is often underrepresented in the recreational cannabis industry. I’ve gotta say that, if my short time spent in the shop thus far is any indicator, they will have no problem accomplishing their vision.

Stash Seattle Pot Shop in Ballard

Do yourself a solid and make a trip to Stash Pot Shop in Ballard. There will be a Lake City location opening shortly as well, so be sure to check out that location. Tell us about your experience! We would love to hear it.