Apparently you can consume marijuana outside?

April 22, 2015 By Manic Conrad

Many aficionados are frustrated that there is no where to consume cannabis except your home. Which can be especially frustrating for tourists who don’t have a home per se, but a temporary room in a hotel which most likely doesn’t allow you to toke up. But, after taking a closer look at the laws and regulations set forth by the Washington State Liquor Control board (WSLCB), it seems that you might have a little bit more freedom than you first thought.

The following is taken directly from the FAQ’s page on the WSLCB website:

The initiative says I cannot consume marijuana in public. What is the definition of “in public?”

Initiative 502 states that it is unlawful to open/consume a package of marijuana or marijuana infused product in view of the general public.

According to the answer given, it is only unlawful if you open or consume a package of marijuana or edibles in VIEW of the general public (ordinary people not associated with a particular group). In other words, if you are not in view of the general public, it seems that you have the freedom to light up a joint or consume a cannabis-infused product outside.

If you take a closer look at the actual lingo from the actual measure, it states:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 21. It is unlawful to open a package containing marijuana, useable marijuana, or a marijuana-infused product, or consume marijuana, useable marijuana, or a marijuana infused product, in view of the general public. A person who violates this section is guilty of a class 3 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW.

So, if you took a stroll to a park and you are all alone, wouldn’t you be out of view of the general public? If you took a walk with a friend through the artsy Nord Alley in downtown Seattle, and you were both alone, wouldn’t you be out of view of the general public? If you were on a Pier by the water overlooking the port, and it was just you, wouldn’t you be out of view of the general public?

So, what happens if you go to one of the above mentioned places, light up a joint or pull out your grindhouse shift vape, and a cop approaches you with a citation? Then I guess you weren’t out of view of the general public, now were you?

Here on Capitol Hill, we don’t remember the last day we walked outside and didn’t smell the wonderful scent of cannabis. We smell it all the time while walking through the neighborhood. It really isn’t a big deal. But, if you are visiting from a different state or live in a more conservative area, it seems like you may have some options.

Reality Tax: Recreational Marijuana Stores Gouged

December 15, 2014 By Manic Conrad

The high retail tax imposed on marijuana in the recreational industry is nothing new. Residents, customers, and tourists have conveyed their frustration with the high prices of cannabis. But what is often overlooked is the entire taxation burden which is imposed on recreational marijuana stores.

We interviewed the owner of Cannabis City, James Lathrop recently, and published the exchange a couple weeks ago. When asked ‘What is the most challenging part of running Cannabis City?’ Lathrop replied with, “paying the HEAVY taxes imposed by I-502 and Federal Code 280e. These two laws put the taxation of the product at a compound rate of 85% (25% + 25% + 25% + 10%) at the state level, PLUS an additional 35% at the Federal level.”

When looking at the numbers published by the Washington State Liquor Control Board for the month of October 2014, it shows Cannabis Citys’ total sales at $632,878. The WSLCB also publishes the retail tax amount owed which, for this month was $158,220. It’s easy to look at these numbers and think, ‘not bad at all.’ But, the amount published by the WSLCB is only 25% of the equation. It’s just one side of the story. According to Lathrop, the total compounded tax rate imposed on recreational marijuana shops is at 85%!

If this is the case, Cannabis City’s total tax burden for the month of October is roughly $537,946. Which leaves less than $100,000, for the month, to pay producers for the product, pay for overhead, pay for the lease of the store, hire security, pay employees a decent wage, and maybe pay yourself?

Wow.

Bang! Bang! We’re High: Introducing Bang’s Cannabis Company

September 24, 2014 By Manic Conrad

UPDATE: Check out these Seattle marijuana stores for producers such as Bang’s Cannabis.

How would you like some post-prohibition strain of marijuana with a post-prohibition look and feel?

The family owned Bang’s Cannabis Company, located in Cheney, Wa, are doing just that by surrounding their branding with post-prohibition art, which compliments their dream that prohibition would end and they would finally be able to sell their fine strains of cannabis.

According to CEO Lacey M. Bang on the status quo, “we truly see this pivotal period in America as post-marijuana-prohibition and are on cloud 9 to be a part of it.”

The Bang family is currently waiting the testing results and expect the first orders to be delivered to a pair of recreational marijuana shops in Spokane, Sativa Sisters and Satori, in about a week. Seattle area stores should could expect their product shortly after (maybe Cannabis City and Herbal Nation will carry their strains of Cannabis?) Tri-Cities and the Vancouver recreational marijuana shops should expect the product in October. If you check out their website, you can learn more about their story, the strains of marijuana they are growing, the retailers who are carrying their product, and more!

Ever since we heard of this I-502 marijuana grower, we have been super excited and eagerly anticipating their strains of cannabis. In addition, the making a concerted effort to tend to all facets of their business, which includes packaging the cannabis in glass jars to help preserve the quality, and giving the label a touch of identity and character.

We are liking the unique packaging!

CEO Lacey Bang holding the cannabis jars.

CEO/Farmer Patrick Bang Showing Off the Crop.

Bang’s Blackberry Kush. All Photos From Bang’s Cannabis Company.

$10,366,798 in Marijuana Sales and $2,591,699 in Excise Taxes Due

September 8, 2014 By Manic Conrad

The recreational retail marijuana industry has barely begun to bloom and, according to the Washington State Liquor Control Board, we have already had over 10 million dollars in sales and over 2.5 million in excise tax due. Put this into perspective: we still have yet to see the 2nd Seattle marijuana retail pot shop and hundreds of stores across the state have yet to receive their licenses, and we have these kind of numbers! Imagine the sales and taxes earned once this industry is in full force…

So, the taxes, once they are collected, how are they allotted? According to New Approach Washington and the I-502 initiative, 40% of revenues will go to the state general fund and local budgets, and the remainder will go to dedicated to substance-abuse prevention, research, education and health care. Which would mean, so far, over a million dollars would go towards state general funds and local budgets and about 1.5 million dollars going towards the latter.

What specific item or budget would you like to see the tax money issued to first?

Initiative 648: Looking to Fix, Broken I-502

August 20, 2014 By Manic Conrad

One lonely Seattle recreational marijuana store has barely opened its’ doors and we have a group, Real Legalization, that’s already talking about changing up a few things and even fixing I-502. It is known as Initiative 648.

Among the talking points Real Legalization raises: 1) the ability for adults in Washington State over 21 years of age to home grow their own marijuana and share and 2) clear conviction records so people who had run-ins with the law would not be at a disadvantage when applying for jobs, loans, education, etc. Imagine this: if I-648 is on the ballot and gets passed, we all are allowed to grow 15 plants each with no license, permits, registry, etc!

Sounds good, huh? But, for any of this to happen they need your signature to get the initiative to the legislature. You can find more information at their website: www.reallegalization.org

Oh, and while you’re at it, will you kindly write them an email and ask that they also add: 1) allow places so we can smoke cannabis and 2) allow delivery services? Thank you.