In our three short months of existence, I’ve been very pleased with how many phone calls and emails I’ve gotten from folks telling us they appreciate our publication as they prepare to launch their 502 project.
We launched this without really knowing what the reaction would be, and with really no concept of how fast it would grow.
Three months in, it’s clear we have our answer about how fast this magazine will grow: very fast. And I would say the reaction has been about 99 percent positive, which is a far cry higher than I ever heard from my days in the newspaper industry.
On the other hand, the reaction I’ve gotten from readers regarding their dealings with the various city, county and state officials has been less than stellar.
Some people are frustrated at the pace the Washington State Liquor Control Board is trudging ahead with the licensing process.
Others are up in arms about county-wide bans (or zoning laws that effectively allow nowhere to set up shop). There have also been questions about sources of water, due to concerns that the federal government will step in and restrict any entity that receives federal funding from serving marijuana businesses.
And perhaps the two biggest issues that threaten to choke off the voter-approved legal cannabis industry are moratoriums and the question of banking.
It seems nearly every city in the state has some sort of moratorium in place. While that might not be entirely true, hundreds of license applicants are haggling over the details with city officials and elected representatives.
I wish I had all the answers and could relay a step-by-step process on how to reverse cumbersome moratoriums and allow businesses to proceed.
But I don’t.
However, I can pass along a couple messages that have worked for some of the folks out there.
There’s strength in numbers.
For one thing, the numbers are on our side — voters approved I-502. In most cities, the majority of residents favor legalization, yet city council members and mayors are taking the matter into their own hands. Despite resistance from local municipalities, public opinion should drive legislation in the long run.
It might take time, but stay vigilant and use public opinion in your favor.
Also, remember that there are hundreds of people dealing with their own 502 project. Within each defiant city, there are likely other license applicants that are fighting the same fight.
Don’t be afraid to connect with them, swap experiences, and present a unified front when approaching officials. There’s room in the marketplace for hundreds of cannabis businesses. Don’t view every other business as a direct competitor.
Be active. Yes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Speak at city council meetings and meetings of the county commissioners. Set up times to sit down with mayors and city managers to try to work out what you might be able to do to comply with local requirements.
Keep in touch with your representatives in the state legislature, the Governor’s Office and the Washington State Liquor Control Board.
Gauge the temperature of the local newspapers. Write letters to the editor, or offer to contribute a guest column stating your case. Just send the editor an email or give them a call.
Elected officials are beholden to public opinion and ultimately, the biggest thing marijuana legalization provides is a benefit to the economy.
Even though individual cities are not currently slated to receive a cut of marijuana-related tax dollars (a massive oversight by the state legislature, in my opinion), the benefits are still tremendous.
Jobs will be created. Previously vacant buildings can find tenants. Cities will bring in additional sales tax revenue through construction projects and site build-outs.
And the trickle-down of having a successful local business will build the surrounding community.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of bringing a good attorney on board.
I know many people are trying to go through the licensing process without spending a bunch of money. And everybody knows lawyers typically aren’t cheap.
But you have to keep in mind that finding the right attorney to handle your needs will save you money in the long run. They are trained and experienced at negotiating with government organizations, other lawyers and judges.
I understand the idea of keeping overhead costs low, but any 502 project is going to need certain professionals in their corner. Most people don’t have the skills to act as their own attorney, accountant or architect. Trust the people that are professionals in their field.
If it comes to fighting an issue in court, do you want to be standing alone in front of a judge?
I know I wouldn’t.