The first set of licensed marijuana retail stores are set to open in the state of Washington soon and many people fear that there will be shortage of inventory at these shops.
More than 20 stores, out of the planned 300 plus, are expected to get the license to operate marijuana retail stores in Washington on Monday, July 7. Reports suggest that some of the stores will not waste any time and will start selling marijuana legally from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8.
Aaron Nelson, who is the general manager of a recreational marijuana store called 2020 Solutions in Bellingham, says the state Liquor Control Board has already inspected his store and he will open for business on July 8 at 8 a.m.
Hundreds of people may line up to buy marijuana legally and Nelson hopes that his store has enough marijuana to cater to around 1,000 customers. Nelson also says that the store may limit the amount of marijuana sold to an individual depending on the demand. The store is expected to charge customers between $20 to $25 for each gram of marijuana.
However, the Liquor Control Board will be responsible to ensure sales from the retail stores on time. Reports suggest that on Monday, July 7 at 1:20 a.m., the board will send out an email to the first group of licensed retailer, who will have to log-in to a computer system and buy supplies from processors.
Lynsee Michels, who is the Director of Nine Point Growth Industries, a processor and grower of marijuana in Bremerton, will start receiving phone calls from licensed retailers and take orders. She says that supply is limited and many growers have not yet harvested their plants.
Michels says that delivering the order to retailers on Tuesday morning will be challenging. Moreover, a Seattle Times report suggests that the "state mandates that marijuana be quarantined for 24 hours between the time it's sold and transported to retailers."
Marijuana sales will be strictly regulated and customers can buy only limited quantities. According to the Washington Post, the state law permits "the sale of up to an ounce of dried marijuana, 16 ounces of pot-infused solids, 72 ounces of pot-infused liquids or 7 grams of concentrated marijuana, like hashish, to adults over 21, whether you're a Washington resident or not."
