Subsequent to passage of Initiative 502, the State Liquor Control Board is developing rules, regulations, and fees for the distribution of marijuana products. The idea is that de-prohibiting growing, selling, and using will eliminate the black market. Users will benefit with transparency, quality control, and public safety. In exchange, users will pay more in taxes to the state for legal weed than the illicit stuff.
That’s the idea. Washington and Colorado are currently testing this hypothesis. Colorado has a deadline for getting their act together, Washington doesn’t. Washington is already dragging it’s feet a bit, but with excellent transparency it’s obvious why they are being quite careful. The state sees a lot of money to be made here, think casino gambling or lotto, and they don’t want to screw it up.
There’s this glitch in that by federal law growing and distributing cannabis is a felony crime. And banks are not allowed to deal with drug money. The state strongly desires it’s licensees have bank accounts and not turn to cash-only transactions. This glitch is a huge biggie in how this will work.
Aspiring entrepreneurs are setting up medical marijuana access points everywhere they can, under a state law that’s many years old. There are now three medical access points within a mile or so of where I’m parked, two of which have opened since I’ve been here. It’s not discussed, but I’m betting that the medical places will transform to retail when they can.
In about nine months, Chimacum will have the best access to the best weed available on the west coast, at the best price. Not bad for an Escapee park….