FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 7, 2014
July 7, 2014
Contact: Darby Beck: darby.beck@leap.cc 415.823.5496
WASHINGTON
BEGINS LEGAL SALES OF MARIJUANA TUESDAY
In
the wake of glowing reports coming out of Colorado six months after the state
began retail sales of marijuana, Washington state’s Liquor Control Board plans to issue up to 20 licenses to
retail businesses today, and stores can open as early as Tuesday in theory,
though few stores seem likely to be ready by that time, and since growers only
received their licenses in March, supply will be limited at first.
“I’m sure the first day will be a
disappointment to some consumers,” said Major Neill Franklin (Ret.), 34-year
police veteran and executive director of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, a
group of law enforcement officials opposed to the war on drugs. “But this isn’t
meant to be a party. Any delays are reflective of the fact that Washington state
is taking the responsibility to regulate and control this new industry
seriously.”
“Washingtonians know that, as in Colorado,
governments both foreign and domestic will be watching to see how legalization
progresses in the state,” said Seattle Police Chief Norm Stamper (Ret.), a LEAP
speaker and advisory board member. “And I imagine that, as in Colorado, lower
crime rates, increased tax revenue, thousands of new jobs and continuing public
support will indicate legalizing and regulating marijuana is one of the
simplest ways to improve not just our criminal justice system, but our state
governments generally.”
Nearly 7,000 businesses applied for the 334 licenses
authorized by I-502, the voter initiative which legalized marijuana in the
state. Those licenses are strictly controlled and come with a host of
regulations, including prohibitions on retailers being within 1,000 feet of
schools, parks and other locations likely to be frequented by children. So far,
no manufacturer has passed the stringent requirements surrounding marijuana-infused
edibles.
Law
Enforcement Against Prohibition is a group of law enforcement officials who,
after fighting on the front lines of the war on drugs, now advocate for its
end.
For
interviews, please contact Darby Beck at darby.beck@leap.cc (415.823.5496).
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