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

October 5, 2015 By Ellie Klein

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. Sure, here you can buy weed online or at a local dispensary, but you’ll have to make sure you smoke it in the comfort of your home (or a friend’s). 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!

It’s a good thing you won’t be president.

September 11, 2015 By Manic Conrad

You can never say never, but unless every single one of the republican candidates who are currently polling ahead of Gov. Chris Christie does something that would derail their presidential bids, we know that this guy will not be the parties nominee and have a chance to be president. Right?

“If I’m president no getting high in Denver or Seattle, Charles,” he added. “Get high now while you can. When I’m president it’s over.”

Wake Up and Bake, Seattle

August 10, 2015 By Ellie Klein

Marijuana has been legal in Washington for almost three years, with recreational marijuana sales in Oregon ready to begin October 1st. However, Portland has just reopened the World Famous Cannabis Cafe, a place for people 21 years of age and older to smoke with others while Washington still has no place like this. Wait, why doesn’t Washington have a similar cafe for smokers to come together to enjoy legal pot and good company in a bar-like setting?

About two years ago, Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes asked the state liquor control board to allow private clubs for people to smoke in. A major reason behind this push was for tourists to have a place to smoke the legal pot they purchase. Smoking inside marijuana shops and in public is not legal. Of course, Washington residents are allowed to smoke in the privacy of their homes; however, those who rent a home must abide by the contracts of their rental agreement. Holmes was hoping to help tourists and renters with this measure though his proposal was not accepted.

The World Famous Cannabis Cafe provides numerous smoking devices and social ambiance and all that is required of patrons is $10 at the door as well as their own marijuana. In Oregon, recreational marijuana is only sold in small quantities at medical marijuana stores, as there are no recreational-only stores until sometime in 2016. Citizens are also allowed to grow up to four of their own marijuana plants. Consumers are legally able to partake in the privacy of their own homes, or on private property. In terms of obtaining recreational marijuana, Washington makes it a bit easier at this point but still falls behind in public consumption.

Colorado is home to numerous marijuana clubs, where members can go to enjoy pot together. Like The World Famous Cannabis Cafe, patrons pay an admission fee and bring their own marijuana. Colorado Amendment 64 prohibits public consumption of marijuana, but private pot dens are legal because they do not sell marijuana, nor do they sell any food or drinks. These clubs were created so that people may gather and smoke marijuana indoors without fear of legal retaliation from landlords or law enforcement. They are the answer to the wishes of renters and tourists.

Opposite the other states’ admissible pot dens, Washington cracked down on establishments that allowed marijuana consumption on the premises when recreational marijuana was first legalized. The government explicitly stated the reason for this was because the law clearly states that consuming marijuana in public was illegal, and restaurants and bars are public places. Though, Colorado and Oregon both have similar laws and allow marijuana consumption in private buildings which don’t sell marijuana, food, or drinks.

So, why is it that Colorado and Oregon have bars for people to smoke marijuana, but Washington does not? All three states prohibit the public consumption of marijuana though two of the three allow private pot den operations as long as they do not sell marijuana or food. It is likely only a matter of time before Washington lawmakers ease up and allow marijuana clubs to establish. Until then, it is up to the marijuana consumers of the state to keep asking for leniency in the law so everyone, including renters ad tourists, can enjoy their legally bought marijuana indoors with the company of other consumers.

Want to see how much fun Portland is having? WARNING: You may get jealous. Click here to find out.

Many cities still do not allow legal marijuana sales in Washington or Colorado

April 13, 2015 By Ellie Klein

Marijuana is recreationally legal in Washington, Colorado and Florida. With this being said, the florida marijuana laws can change, as the use of medical marijuana can be a controversial topic for some.
However, the majority of cities and towns in Colorado, as well as many cities in Washington, have actually banned the sale of legal cannabis. It is hard to believe that individual cities remain so opposed to recreational marijuana after it has been legalized, even when there are places out there that similar to pg group who deal with the cultivation of marijuana. Placing a ban on marijuana is within a city’s jurisdiction, though residents of those cities still hold some rights when it comes to possessing and smoking marijuana.

First, let’s explore the reasons why many cities have decided to ban legal recreational weed. There are more cities that do not allow recreational marijuana sales or cultivation in Colorado than there are that do. But the states that have legalised the use of recreational weed have found that the marijuana sales are high, especially as there are many people who use this as a form of medicine to help treat their ailments.

Often times this decision to not foster the growing marijuana industry comes from the citizens of the city, rather than a city council vote. For example, Lakewood, CO, left the decision of whether or not to be a marijuana city up to voters and they voted to stay out of the industry. Many voters feel that marijuana is taboo and encouraging sales of the plant is inappropriate. Others are worried about the research behind smoking cannabis at an early age, which points to developmental issues of young people’s brains. No matter the reason, even after placing a ban on sales or growing, people in the “illegal” cities are still allowed to possess and smoke marijuana.

In Washington, it is for the best that cities exercise their right to vote on the sales of marijuana. It is possible that I-502 could have been written to deny individual cities the right to decide whether or not to sell marijuana, but the piece of legislation does not take away this power from local communities. Allowing individual cities to ban marijuana sales keeps Washington independent of federal law influence. If something was written into I-502 that did not allow cities to ban recreational cannabis sales, then cities could involve the federal government to produce a ban since federal law trumps state law, and marijuana is still federally illegal. Because cities are allowed to decide, Washingtonians have not had to worry about excessive federal restrictions on their state-legal cannabis.

No matter the reason, even after placing a ban on sales or growing, people in the “illegal” people in cities are still allowed to possess and smoke marijuana.

So, just because a person cannot purchase weed in Lakewood does not mean he or she cannot possess cannabis or smoke it. In fact, regardless of whether or not a city allows it, it is legal to possess up to one ounce of marijuana because ultimately marijuana legality on a state level trumps city-wide decisions. Though, cities that allow recreational marijuana sales have reaped many benefits.

Selling recreational marijuana is extremely lucrative. In cities that allow dispensaries, sales tax profits are exponential. Because of this, infrastructure and lifestyle changes are able to be made on a grand scale. Some cities choose to completely re-do roads and parks while others put the extra profits into marijuana education. Numerous cities have become very wealthy because of marijuana sales tax and have put this money back into making the city a safer and more impressive place to live.

Marijuana legality is multi-faceted and in many cases this is for the best. Allowing individuals to choose whether or not they want to legally smoke recreational marijuana, even if they cannot buy it in their city, is incredibly important, as is allowing individual cities the right to ban sales. Operating peacefully on a state and city level is necessary to keep the marijuana industry unique and wildly beneficial.

Is your city legal or has it banned recreational marijuana? How do you feel about this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

List of cities and towns in Washington State that banned recreational marijuana

Marysville

Snohomish

Woodinville

Mill Creek

Poulsbo

Sammamish

SeaTac

Kent

Algona

Pacific

Roy

Dupont

Lakewood

Napavine

Mossyrock

Steilacoom

Orting

Puyallup

Fife

Milton

Edgewood

Sumner

Bonney Lake

Leavenworth

Entiat

Waterville

Elmer City

Quincy

Selah

Yakima

Wapato

Grandview

West Richland

Richland

Pasco

Kennewick

Mesa

Omak

Brewster

Bridgeport

Elmer City

Chewelah

Deer park

College Place

Dayton

Oroville

3 Recreational Marijuana Questions For 2015

January 5, 2015 By Manic Conrad

Welcome back everyone for a brand new year: 2015! Its crazy to think that just over a year ago, Colorado opened it’s first recreational marijuana shops. And since then, Washington has followed with the beginnings of its’ legal retail industry, while Alaska, Oregon, and Washington D.C. has voted to join the party. Imagine what everything will be like another year from now? But before we do that, we still have a year to live so let’s do it! Let’s hope there is a pot shop on every street corner in 12 months time!

3 recreational marijuana questions for 2015:

Will all recreational marijuana stores be open this year?

With marijuana legalization being different in every place you go, it can be hard to know what’s going on for dispensaries. At the moment, all the new and growing dispensaries are having to look into resources and tools like POSaBIT that can help them improve their customer service, all while having to worry about staying within legal guidelines and following legislation. So, the answer to this is a complicated one for both dispensaries and customers, depending on where you are.

If you asked us this question a couple of months ago, we would have thought: of course! But here we are, about 6 months since Cannabis City became the city’s first marijuana store to open its’ doors, and we only have eight legal retail shops that are open. Nine, if you include Ballard’s Herb’s House, a medical marijuana dispensary that just passed the recreational inspection last month and will be converting to a legal outlet soon. Even if physical stores aren’t quite open, you will still be able to purchase weed online from websites such as https://theherbcentre.net/buy-weed-online-vancouver/, which many people view as being much easier than purchasing in person.

It took six months for eights stores to open. At this rate, we should have all Seattle pot shops up and running by the end of the year, but that is barring any setbacks such as failed inspections, financing, or any other hurdles the cannabis retail outlets may face. In addition, the Washington State Liquor Control Board may hold a do-over in April to allow over 900 shops a chance at a retail license. This may increase the number of shops in the city and the chances that we see openings into 2016. It seems that marijuana is becoming increasingly more acceptable, people can easily buy things like tuna kush, so it makes sense for more pot shops to be opening.

Will the tax issue be confronted that is setting the industry up for failure?

One major complaint of customers as they exit a recreational weed shop is the enormously high retail tax that they just paid. But tax issues isn’t just affecting the customers, it’s affecting everyone including the legal retail shops, the growers, and the producers. In fact, if this tax issue is not dealt with, it could have a crippling affect to our industry and even the prospects of national legalization. After all, we have chosen ourselves to set an example. This is what James Lathrop, owner of Cannabis City, wrote us last month:

In Washington marijuana products are taxed at a multiple compound rate: That is 25% from the grower to processor, plus 25% from the processor to the retailer, plus 25% from the retailer to the customer [each of these levels of tax pay tax on the previous tax], plus another 10% of regular sales tax, city tax, and B&O [which includes taxation of the excise tax itself]; then there is an additional Federal tax of another 25% [that is a fed 35% tax on the ~70% gross profit [gross after cost of goods] falling out at about 25% of gross – including Federal taxation on the State excise tax itself.).

So on the retailer side alone that is ~60% of the product in pure tax, with ~30% going to to cost of goods and ~1-5% left to actually run the business; the growers and processors are in a similar situation.

All cannabis businesses in Washington are set to fail under this unreasonable and compound tax structure; many will fail, some will survive; but none can exist under this tax structure for very long.

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What effect will the Oregon recreational marijuana industry have on ours?

Last November, Oregon voted to become the 3rd state to legalize marijuana. This makes Washington and its’ neighbor to the South, the first bordering states to legalize the plant, which brings up some questions:

1) Vancouver’s recreational marijuana shops have seen some phenomenal sales, especially New Vansterdam. After all, the town is conveniently located about 10 minutes from Portland. We are not sure if Portland will see its’ first store open this year but if it does, we wonder if it will have some effect on Vancouver recreational store sales? From what we here, there is a healthy number of Oregon residents crossing the border to visit the legal pot shops. In addition, will Portland see an increase of Vancouver residents crossing the border to purchase cannabis to save money because the tax burden is less?

2) When Oregon allows marijuana legalization to happen on the first of July, residents of the state will be able to grow their own plants within the confines of their home. Oregon and Alaska will be the 2nd and 3rd state to practice this along with Colorado. Are we going to continue being the stubborn mule or allow our neighbors to the South to plant the seed and help us reconsider?

Two industries, side by side, in the same region. What better way to observe to see what is working and what isn’t. We should take this opportunity and do just that. Work together to make the local marijuana industries a success.

What recreational marijuana questions do you have for 2015?