UPDATE: Here is a list of Seattle pot stores where you can purchase legal marijuana.

I get the 1000ft rule, that states recreational marijuana retail stores need to be that distance away from public schools, parks, arcades, etc. I get it. I really do. Actually, not really. I think the rule is somewhat laughable. Maybe the Washington State Liquor Control Board didn’t think it was laughable, but they thought better, at least they thought it was too restrictive and proposed changes.

But seriously, the 1,000 foot rule? Even the proposed changes to the rule? Neither one makes sense. And I don’t get it when i hear a parent say “Oh, thank you so much for looking out for the kids.” Really? It doesn’t make sense because there are other things way more harmful than marijuana within that 1000ft rule.

For example, every day kids are walking by bars that advertise and serve alcohol, and stores that advertise and serve alcohol and cigarettes. And both of these vices are way more harmful than marijuana. Also, what about the things you don’t see. Like the hard drugs being dealt on the street or between students in or near the schools? And we’re worried about a plant that makes people happy, sold behind closed doors, only if you have the proper identification?

Because of this rule, there are no cannabis licenses set aside for the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Think about that. The counter-culture hub of Seattle, the most densely populated neighborhood of the city, and huge supporters of I-502 – in the current state – will not be home to a recreational marijuana store. Let the Boo birds fly.

Imagine if Bob Marley was still alive, sitting backstage with 9 other headlining musicians at a music festival. A total of 10 musicians. Now imagine if there were only 9 joints to go around and everyone got one, except for Bob Marley. Wouldn’t that be odd? The face of cannabis without a joint? Sure others would share with him, but that’s not the point. Bob Marley always gets a joint. No matter what.

I’m not saying Capitol Hill is Bob Marley. But I am willing to bet that more people smoke weed here than any other neighborhood in Seattle. So for all intensive purposes, Capitol Hill IS Bob Marley. For Capitol Hill not to have a recreational cannabis retail shop would be really odd.

If there are going to be recreational marijuana retail shops, then Capitol Hill in Seattle needs one. This area is well known as the counter culture and progression hub of Seattle and should continue to represent and carry that torch. Besides, with all of the gentrification going on it needs a little bit of that edge back.

In addition, with so many people living in this area, there needs to be easy and safe access to purchase marijuana legally, especially with the announcement that recreational marijuana delivery services may be banned.

But there is hope. And every time I walk down Olive Way I am reminded. There is a stretch of commercial property where Holy Smokes, Apocalypse tattoo, In the Bowl, and Arabica Lounge reside. Every time I walk past this building and these businesses, it reminds me of something out of Amsterdam. And the picture would be complete, if the former Bus Stop Bar, would be converted to Capitol Hill’s first recreational retail marijuana dispensary.

This is possible because a license had been turned in for this location last December. It all depends on if the proposed rule changes will go into effect and if this applicant wins the recreational retail marijuana license lottery going on this week. Don’t hold your breath though because 2/3 of the vote is needed to change the rule, and this applicant needs to win 1 of 21 retail cannabis licenses for the city of Seattle.

But as long as the Bus Stop remains empty, waiting for a new business to walk in, I am going to hold out hope.