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!

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.

Week of Marijuana Celebrations! [HighAbovePortland.com]

July 6, 2015 By Manic Conrad

Oregon kicked off the legalization of marijuana in grand fashion, with the city of Portland leading the way. There was the midnight toke celebration at the Burnside Bridge on Thursday night followed by Weed the People celebration at the MCF Craft Brewing Systems on Friday.

Samantha Webster was in attendance representing Liberty Reach. She and her room mate former Ganja Goddess budtender couldn’t resist this photo op:

Both events had free sampling of cannabis. And if that wasn’t enough, the very next day was the celebration of the country’s independence. Not a cannabis celebration, but I’m sure some of you added that component to the mix.

‘Weed the People’ cannabis celebration in Portland: Sample up to 7 grams

June 22, 2015 By Ellie Klein

On the first day of July, recreational marijuana will officially be legal in Oregon. This will be a wonderful day for all who enjoy smoking and consuming marijuana, along with those who are curious about trying it out. Just two days after legalization hits, a huge, fun celebration called: Weed the People is set to take place, which will feature amazing products, tons of samples, great music and a contagious ambiance. This event will be huge and memorable, so don’t miss it!

Weed the People will take place in Portland at 723 N. Tillamook St. From 2 pm to 9 pm people will be able to peruse vendor tables; test out vaporizers, thanks to Herbalizer, Firefly and Evo vape; consume cannabis on the premises and grab some cannabis to take home with them; and purchase great food and drinks from local businesses Roman Candle, Bunk Sandwiches and Stumptown Coffee. All that is required of you to join this fun event is a drivers license and $40.

Tickets can be bought in advance at weedthepeoplepdx.com. This party is not only an excellent opportunity to try out some cannabis and meet some of the vendors who will be providing for portland and surrounding areas, it is a great time to mingle with other people who are just as excited about legalization as you are. You could learn techniques like microdosing cannabis to prepare you for the event!

Some rules apply, of course, as they would with any event of this or similar nature. All persons must have a valid ID and be 21 or older. There will be numerous samples though no attendee will be allowed more than seven grams of cannabis total. You are welcome to consume goods on the premises though not outside of the area unless you are in your home; recreational legalization in Oregon will mimic Washington’s in that respect.

Basically, you really shouldn’t miss this event. Attendees will walk away with great industry swag, loads of cannabis knowledge, up to seven grams of recreational weed to kick off personal legal celebrations, as well as an amazing experience under their belts. The organizers of the event–The CO2 Company, the Portland Mercury, and Oregon’s Cannabis Concierge— are intent on educating people on responsible adult usage of marijuana. Every level of cannabis user will be included, even people who have never consumed cannabis a day in their life. The organizers emphasize that no one should be afraid of their new freedom and people will be at the Weed the People event to educate everyone from seasoned users to newbies. There will be security guards on site to ensure everyone is consuming responsibly, and may be checking bags for excessive cannabis carried off the premises.

Oregon was the third state to legalize marijuana medically and is still keeping ahead of the times with recreational legality. This event is a part of history in the making for Oregon. If you are in the Portland area be sure to check out this amazing event and support recreational marijuana! Let us know all about your adventure in the newest legal state and be sure to let us know which products you favor!

Vendors and companies include: OG Analytical, Firefly, Herbalizer, Evo Vape, Green Bodhi & Calyxes Dispensary, Panacea Dispensary, True North Extracts, Raw Papers, Next Leaf Oregon, Phylos Bioscience & Two Dogs In a Boat, Roman Candle, Bunk Sandwiches &Stumptown Coffee, Aquarium Drunkard, 7 Points Oregon & Raw Papers.

Visit Our Neighbor Down South: Portland to Host International Cannabis Business Conference

September 11, 2014 By Manic Conrad

Think about this. Oregon is projected to legalize recreational marijuana in the next election, and if it does, it will join Colorado and Washington State as the third state to make history. That would mean, two out of three states to legalize cannabis first would be neighbors from the Northwest. We would literally have a corner on the market!

To anticipate the possibility of this, why don’t you take a trip this weekend to our neighbor South and attend the International Cannabis Business Conference?

The two day event will take place over Saturday and Sunday in Portland at the Oregon Convention Center and will offer education to cannabis related businesses in every sector of the industry. For more information about the conference, the keynote speakers, attendees, etc. check out their website!