WSLCB Investigation Finds Illegal Cannabis Sales at Two Washington Sites (Tacoma and Roy, Pierce Co.)

September 9, 2022 by MJ News Network 1 Comment

LCB Investigation Finds Illegal Cannabis Activity at “Vincere’s Compassion Club” and Roy’s “Red Barn Trading Post” in Tacoma and Roy (Pierce Co.)

WASHINGTON: Following an investigation into unlicensed cannabis sales, Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) Enforcement and Education Officers entered the two businesses that were the subject of the investigation and seized 1,300 pounds of cannabis. The source of the seized cannabis is under investigation.

Background on the LCB’s investigation and special operation:

During the investigations which were begun after multiple public complaints, LCB undercover officers purchased illegal cannabis from the two unlicensed cannabis retailers: “Vincere’s Compassion Club,” located at 10625 Pacific Avenue South in Tacoma, and “Red Barn Trading Post,” located at 34011 State Route 507 South in Roy. Under state law, cannabis may only be sold by a business holding a state issued cannabis license.

In the past few months, undercover LCB officers made three buys of cannabis at both unlicensed stores. Undercover purchases of illicit substances (psilocybin mushrooms and peyote) were also made at the Roy store. LCB officers subsequently obtained search warrants for Vincere’s Compassion Club and Red Barn Trading Post. In partnership with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, LCB officers executed the search warrants Tuesday morning.

Altogether, the officers located and seized approximately 1,300 pounds of cannabis products at the stores, including a large quantity of cannabis concentrates and cannabis-infused edible products being offered for sale. Many of the cannabis-infused products would have been illegal to sell in the regulated marketplace, including products exceeding THC serving size limits and products that are especially appealing to children. Both locations were also operating illegal cannabis “clubs.”

At Vincere’s Compassion Club, LCB officers also seized 73 cannabis plants, approximately 800 pounds of illicit cannabis products, growing equipment, cash, electronic and surveillance equipment, ballistic vests, and two firearms. At Vincere’s Compassion Club, an individual was arrested by LCB officers and booked into the Pierce County jail on cannabis-related crimes.

At Red Barn Trading Post, officers seized approximately 400 pounds of illicit cannabis products, a sizable amount of psilocybin, peyote products, cash, electronic and surveillance equipment, and four firearms. At Red Barn Trading two uncooperative individuals were arrested and booked into the Pierce County Jail for violations of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. LCB officers will be recommending felony charges for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of a Controlled Substance (RCW 69.50.401) and operating a cannabis club (RCW 69.50.465).

The investigations were prompted by multiple complaints alleging that the stores were selling cannabis without a license.

Images of the evidence seized and the special operation are available here.

The LCB educates licensees to reach compliance and enforces Washington’s liquor, cannabis, vape and tobacco laws and regulations. The WSLCB is mandated to ensure that licensees in Washington State follow state laws and regulations. When licensees fail to comply with state law, the Board, under state authority can take action including the issuance of suspensions to ensure public health and safety.

For more information about laws related to cannabis visit the WSLCB website at lcb.wa.gov.

The RAD Expo Returns To Portland October 10-11

May 14, 2018 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

OREGON: Following the RAD Expo’s huge success in January, Marijuana Venture will be producing the next RAD (Retail and Dispensary) Expo this October 10-11 in Portland, Oregon. The B2B event is 100% focused on marijuana retail and dispensary businesses.

Because the RAD Expo is free for marijuana retail and dispensary owners, buyers and employees, the quality of attendees was a difference-maker for many exhibitors. “The RAD Expo is the only conference where we know almost everyone we talk to will be a potential client or partner because its focus on retail and brands,” said Jeff LaPenna, CEO of The Peak Beyond, a technology company aimed at retailers.

Exhibitors will be companies who supply goods and services to existing and future retailers in the legal marijuana space, offering everything from flooring and point-of-sale systems to snacks and drinks, insurance, glassware, CBD products, marketing services and rolling papers. At the RAD Expo, cannabis retailers can find everything they need to open and operate their business in one place.

About The RAD Expo:

Dates: Oct. 10-11, 2018

Location: Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon

Admission: Free for qualified future and current retail store/dispensary owners, buyers and employees

Exhibitors: Booths and a variety of sponsorship packages are available — use discount code EARLYBIRD25 for 25% off your booth. Offer ends June 1, 2018.

More Information: www.theRADexpo.com

Phone: (425) 656-3621

Email: theradexpo@gmail.com

Star Leaf Branded Cannabis Arrives In Washington State

March 1, 2017 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

Launches At Clear Choice Cannabis Of Lakewood, WA

WASHINGTON: Star Leaf Enterprises today announced that it has formed an exclusive partnership with the producers of the science fiction classic film, “Star Leaf,” to promote and market Star Leaf brand cannabis and merchandise.

Sativa, indica, and hybrid strains are being cultivated by Phoenix Cannabis Company, LLC, an independent organic farm in Tumwater, Washington. Star Leaf cannabis and paraphernalia are available for public purchase starting today at Clear Choice Cannabis in Lakewood, Washington with additional locations planned for 2017.

According to lore in the 2015 award-winning movie Star Leaf smoking or using Star Leaf cannabis allows users to explore human consciousness and the innermost secrets of the universe, without letting alien karma feeders hijack their highs. While adventure and humor abound in the movie, issues facing combat veterans are explored in some depth as well. The film stars Russell Hodgkinson of the hit SyFy series “ZNation”, a veteran himself of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4m48MsT_Dw&w=560&h=315]

The Star Leaf brand breaks new marketing ground by using themes and characters from the existing fictional movie to deliver an innovative brand presence, including an online video campaign and an in-store retail experience.

“I’m very excited to bring actual Star Leaf cannabis to our fans!” says Star Leaf creator, director, and actor, Richard Cranor. “The message of the film has resonated so well with folks in the cannabis culture. We can’t wait to continue our journey with them.”

“We’re excited to join the Star Leaf universe and bring our unique approach to cannabis cultivation to all,” adds Howie Clark, sales associate at Phoenix Cannabis Company.

“We’re looking forward to adding this unique brand to our retail offerings,” says Shawn Sortlund, co-founder and Product Manager at Clear Choice Cannabis, near Tacoma, Washington. “The Star Leaf folks are definitely on the cutting edge of cannabis-related entertainment and messaging. We couldn’t be happier they are bringing a cannabis product to the masses.”

HONU Wins “Best Cannabis Brand Design” 2016 in MJBA/OMD Poll.

June 10, 2016 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: Cowlitz county Tier 3 producer HONU was named “Best Cannabis Brand Design 2016” in an online poll published by Marijuana Business Association (MJBA) and Online Marijuana Design (OMD Agency). More than 1500 votes were cast in the MJBA/OMD Facebook Survey, which asked cannabis industry participants to vote for the best cannabis brand designs of 2016.

HONU’s Hawaiian-flavored design featuring a stylized sea turtle garnered the brand a total of 245 votes. “Turtles have always been important to the local Hawaiian people as they provided spiritual influence, tools, food and clothing. But the Hawaiians never “took” from the turtles lightly, they always revered the turtles,” the company’s website proclaims. “We have chosen this as the name for our business as it embodies what we hold sacred as a team.”

Results of the vote were announced at the recent “HOT BOX: The Best Marijuana Design and Packaging 2016” seminar in Tacoma. Team Honu was on hand to accept the award from MJBA founder/executive director David Rheins. The Hot Box seminar took place June 2, 2016 in the historic Union Bank of California building in Tacoma, WA.

The event was produced by the Marijuana Business Association. Online Marijuana Design was the event’s presenting sponsor. VIP Sponsors included Great Pacific Packaging, DCG One, PrintWest, Pearson Packaging, 420WholesalePack.com, Tryst Print Solutions, Foundry Law Group, Farmer Tom, NWMJLaw, Higher Ground TV, Curved Papers, Guts and Glory, Ganjapreneur, 420Media and Freedom Leaf.

Second place with 186 votes went to Renton, WA retailer Buddy’s. The jazz-themed pot shop was named after proprietor Myles Kahn’s grandfather, Buddy Kahn, a famous Salsa musician and band leader. The hip design of the company’s branding, with a strong retro music feel, was crafted by Guts and Glory creative director Michael Guttsen.

With its dramatic Italian glass jar, and a ‘fresh-picked locally’ design approach branding, Tier 1 producer Green Bluff Greenhouse took third place with 157 votes. Specializing in rare, old school Sativa’s, the small grower is quickly gaining a big reputation for quality. Green Bluff owner Rick Lynn Roening was on hand to accept the award.

Dramatic Italian glass jar Green Bluff Greenhouse

Fourth place went to Tier 2 indoor producer SKöRD Marijuana, whose bold black and cream design and iconic umlauts proudly resonate with Scandinavian heritage. The company produces flower, concentrates and infused edibles.

Rounding out the Top 5 Best Cannabis Brand Design of 2016 is Curved Papers. With an “Easy To Roll” theme and a eco-friendly minimalist package that emphasizes the brand value – a new shape for rolling papers that is a true innovation.

Company founder Michael O’Malley and his daughter Grace were on hand at the Hot Box seminar to accept their award.

Curved Papers’ Michael and Grace O’Malley

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4uF4k6ZPMQ&w=560&h=315]

How Close Is Too Close? Tacoma City Council Fine Tunes Cannabis Retail Policy

May 4, 2016 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

By Aaron Ball

WASHINGTON: The Tacoma City council formed a study group this week to discuss how best to proceed with ending the moratorium on Legal Cannabis Retail stores within the city limits.

After considering the testimony of Tacoma residents at the public hearing on April 26, 2016, Tacoma Planning and Development Services manager Brian Boudet presented a final recommendation for the city councils consideration. The new recommendations are:

Cap on retail stores

Cap at 16 (the current state limit)

Buffers

1,000 feet for schools and playgrounds
100 feet for transit centers
500 feet for other sensitive uses

Dispersion

1,000 feet between stores city wide

Medical Endorsement

Required of all stores

Allowed based on State Standards.

Mayor Marilyn Strickland began the session by stating “There are two things we know for sure: that is there is a strong demand for this product, whether it is recreational or medical, and that it is lucrative.”

The Mayor then went on to say that normally she would lean towards letting the market decide with out a cap, but considering there could be “up to 60 locations operating in the unregulated market” she felt the cap should remain with the option to lift it at anytime in the future. Everyone was in agreement on capping the retail stores for the time being at 16 citing a need to maintain local control over the market as it develops.

Dispersion was the only issue to cause real debate and is also the issue that could have the most devastating effect on the stores that are waiting on this decision before they open their doors. The Planning Commission originally recommended that there be no dispersion requirements on retail locations and the staff recommended 500 ft between stores downtown and 1000 ft for stores elsewhere in the city.

Mr. Boudet stated that the recommendation of 1000-ft being presented today was decided upon after considering mixed public opinion about the issue. Three of the 5 stores that have licenses and locations are awaiting the city councils decision and will have to find new locations if the dispersion rule were to be enacted. The irony is that some of these locations were open and operating first under the laws and regulations for their industry at the time. Council member Marty Campbell commented that “dispersion in retail, what I hear is government sponsored monopoly.” Councilman Campbell admitted that dispersion is a form of regulation used in many instances, but never in a retail market.

Council member Robert Thom countered by comparing cannabis dispersion to liquor store dispersion saying “this isn’t a new concept.” He reminded the council of the multitudes of citizens and business owners from the 6^th district who requested dispersion rules two years ago. Council member Joe Lonergan suggested that dispersion would be a viable way to make sure that new stores providing medical cannabis were located further out from major population hubs to better serve patients who had difficulty traveling into the city.

Mayor Strickland responded that many of the people who were worried about legal cannabis 2 years ago “aren’t coming around anymore.” She suggested that after two years people have realized “it isn’t the big boogie man they thought it would be,” and these businesses “didn’t have a detrimental effect on my neighborhood.”

Mayor Strickland went on to assure every one that the restrictions and caps will loosen and more businesses will allow to operate, but the priority for her is closing down the illegal stores operating within the city and maintain positive control in the market as it goes through those growing pains.

According to Front Runner Data, since the implementation of Initiative 502 the 9 recreational stores have seen a combined gross revenue of $31,444,926.98 and with an estimated 30 dispensaries being replaced by 7 more stores who knows how far much that can grow.

Mr. Boudet will take these comments and questions back to the Planning Committee and formulate the final draft for the first reading, scheduled May 3, 2016.

As Pierce County Says NO To Marijuana Businesses, Tacoma City Council Discuss How To Welcome More

April 27, 2016 by MJ News Network 1 Comment

MJNN EXCLUSIVE REPORT
By Aaron Ball

WASHINGTON: Just hours after Pierce County residents voted No on 1 — a measure that would have allowed legal marijuana production and sales in the unincorporated county — the Tacoma City Council convened to reconsider its cannabis policy. The Council held a public hearing Tuesday evening to receive input about recommended amendments to its pot regulations, including modifications to Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) Title 13 Land Use Regulatory Code and to the nuisance regulations contained in TMC Title 8 Public Safety.

In response to merging of Washington’s unregulated medical marijuana industry into I-502, and an increase in the number of Retail Licenses allotted for Tacoma by the State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), Tacoma Planning and Development Services manager Brian Boudet presented recommended amendments to the regulations that govern legal cannabis within city limits. The LCB recently doubled the cap on Tacoma retail stores, from 8 to 16. Under the current Tacoma zoning regulations, there is very little compliant space left to accommodate the increase in retail outlets.

To solve the dilemma, the planning commission recommends that the buffer for sensitive areas such as parks, libraries and arcades be reduced from 1,000ft to 500ft and transit centers be reduced to 100ft. The 1000ft buffer from schools and playgrounds would remain. Mr Boudet stated that it was important to maintain “equitable distribution” to ensure “that the entire community is served” while controlling against “high concentrations of retail stores.”

Staff and Planning Commission recommendations are very close on these recommendations; where they differ is the Planning Commission is recommending no buffer between retail locations while staff is recommending a 500-ft buffer downtown and 1000-ft elsewhere.

Mayor Marilyn Strickland expressed a concern for the 30 or so medical stores operating within the city limits. “The city council has always had an open minded attitude about respecting the will of the voters,” she said. But, she bemoaned the fact that local government is still waiting “for the state to do its job and offer the guidelines” for implementing legal cannabis. In the meantime, the council “looked the other way,” she admits, and allowed for “many business that are open now, who wont be when these rules are put into place.”

The Mayor emphasized the importance of ensuring that “there is a place and an opportunity for those who did the right thing and played by the rules” to be able to open, while making sure that those who are operating illegally get closed down. She concluded by saying that in the end “we are trying to normalize the market.”

There were competing views regarding limiting the number of pot shops in the city. Staff recommends that the city impose a local cap of 16 retail locations, the current cap imposed by the LCB. The Planning Commission recommends that there be no local cap at all. Proponents of a local cap being implemented argue that in just short of a year the LCB doubled the allotted stores for Tacoma. If the state were to increase this allotment again staff wants the City Council to be able to revisit the new number before applications begin flooding in. Councilman Thoms thought a cap, at least in the short term, was a good idea. “We saw in increase from 8 to 16 without having a say.”

Almost all of the public testimony was from individuals related to the cannabis industry and although some of the details varied the general message was a plea for the council to relieve some of the stifling land use regulations. The only voice in opposition to lessening regulations was the owner of an Alzheimer assisted living home, who said that the marijuana store on the corner “changed the complexion” of the neighborhood and brought “gang activity.”

The City Council will have a study group on these proposed amendments on May 3^rd and will have a first reading on May 10^th.

	Existing Regulations	Staff Recommendations	Planning Commission Recommendations
Cap on Retail Stores	No max cap on stores in the city	Cap at 16 (Current state cap)	No Local Cap
Buffers for Retail Stores	1000ft for schools and play grounds 1000ft for other sensitive uses (parks, arcades, libraries, etc) 1000ft for schools and play grounds 100ft for transit centers citywide 500ft for sensitive uses within Downtown 1000ft for other sensitive uses elsewhere 1000ft for schools and play grounds 100ft for transit centers citywide		500ft for sensitive uses citywide
Dispersion between stores	Not required	500ft for Downtown 1000 ft for other sensitive uses elsewhere	Not required
Medical Endorsement	Not currently addressed	50% of retail stores will be required to have State Medical Endorsement	100% of retail stores will be required to have State Medical Endorsement
Medical Cooperatives	Not currently addressed	Allow Cooperatives, with Standard State buffers: 1 mile from retailers 1000ft from sensitive uses	Allow Cooperatives, with reduced buffers: 1 mile from retailers 1000ft from Schools and playgrounds 100ft from other sensitive uses

Striking Oil: The Business of Edibles, Topicals and Concentrates Is Jan 21st In Tacoma, WA

December 29, 2015 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

The Marijuana Business Association and Front Runner, powered by TetraTrak, have announced their first Professional Seminar of 2016: “Striking Oil: The Business of Concentrates, Edibles, and Topicals.”

The half-day MJBA Professional Seminar takes place on Thursday, January 21st, 2016,1PM-6PM, at the Red Lion Hotel in Tacoma, WA. Hosted by The Marijuana Business Association and business intelligence firm Front Runner, “Striking Oil” will provide I-502 Producers, Processors, Retailers, and industry professionals with an in-depth look at Washington’s emerging marketplace for cannabis concentrates, oils, edibles and topicals.

The legal cannabis marketplace has evolved well beyond the bud, and today Edibles, Topicals, Concentrates and Oils represent the fastest-growing segments for Washington’s legal cannabis industry. MJBA and Front Runner will kick off the afternoon with a detailed parsing of the LCB sales numbers to date, with forward-looking analysis from Front Runner CEO Brian Yauger.

CannaSol Farms founder Jeremy Moberg will deliver the keynote address, providing his prospective as one of the state’s leading Producer/Processors, and an outspoken advocate for naturally-grown cannabis. He will focus his remarks on the needs for Washington producer/processors to self-regulate.

Exciting new cannabis-infused products and concentrates bring with them a host of new business challenges for our emerging industry, including how to create best practices and common standards for Contaminants/Pesticides, Dosing and Packaging, and Lab Testing/Quality Assurance. To provide their insights into these pressing issues and others, MJBA has assembled subject matter experts from Washington’s top cannabis companies to serve as our VIP Panelists.

Leading subject matter experts from Db3 (Zoots) , Mirth Provisions (Legal) , Eden Labs, Cannabis Basics, Avitas, Kush Creams, Mary’s Medicinals, The Goodship, Ethos Extracts, Robotanical, Spot, Integrity Labs, Landrace Labs, Dama, Amoebic Extracts, (and many others) will lead discussions on Edibles; Topicals, Concentrates and Lab Standards.

Industry Thought Leaders Speak at MJBA/Front Runner Seminars

Tickets are $99 in advance/$125 Day of Show. MJBA Members and Front Runner Subscribers receive special discount!

Reserve your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/striking-oil-the-business-of-edibles-topicals-and-concentrates-tickets-20114229201?

“Striking Oil” VIP Sponsors include Robotanical, Eden Labs, Cannabis Basics, PayQwick, Avitas and Great Pacific Packaging. .

Tacoma To Close Most Medical Marijuana Shops

August 12, 2015 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: Sometime this month, more than 60 medical marijuana store owners in Tacoma will receive a letter from the city telling them to close their doors within 45 days.

“We don’t need 60 stores selling marijuana in Tacoma,” Mayor Marilyn Strickland said Tuesday. “At a minimum, 48 of these stores do need to close down permanently.”

The City Council told staff Tuesday to move forward with sending the letters. The move comes six months after the council decided to delay enforcement action to see if state lawmakers would act to regulate medical marijuana shops.

The Legislature did act, charging the Liquor Control Board with deciding which medical marijuana shops and grow operations to legitimize and which ones must close by July 1, 2016.

Let The Real Work Of Reconciling Medical And Recreational Pot In Tacoma Begin

April 18, 2015 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: Tacoma City Council members got what they wanted on Tuesday.

Now the question is: What next?

When the state Senate and House signed off on legislation that – pending Gov. Jay Inslee’s expected signature – will rein in Washington’s wild west medical marijuana market this week, it was not just a long time coming. It also was a redeeming moment for lawmakers.

The move, which cities like Tacoma have long advocated, is designed to shutter rogue unlicensed dispensaries and bring all legal pot sales under the purview of the Initiative 502-created recreational market by July 2016.

Cannabis Business Hopefuls Flock To Tacoma For CannaCon

August 15, 2014 by MJ News Network Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON: The new marijuana laws in Washington are driving new innovation in business. Thousands of cannabis hopefuls are flocking to the CannaCon held at the Tacoma Dome to share ideas and get their names out in this new industry.

Organizers have called the CannaCon 2014 event a home and garden show with a twist. Participants might not be able to sell or smoke marijuana, but they can find elements for edibles or new innovations related to this relatively new industry, where innovators are already seeing growth.

The 2014 CannaCon brings together more than 100 vendors that are catering to the cannabis industry, from soil producers and hash oil extractors to growing rooms. Businesses can both share ideas and sell products.

“Basically CannaCon is your first business-type expo where you’re just doing business; no smoking, no doing live music, no activism or all that and that the public is allowed to come into,” said organizer Bob Smart.

Launches At Clear Choice Cannabis Of Lakewood, WA

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