Courtesy of WSLCB
An example of what marijuana packaging might look like once retail pot shops open in Washington, expected to occur late this year or early 2014.

What can we expect walking into a pot shop for the first time?

By Ty Swenson
May 17, 2013

On May 16 the Washington State Liquor Control Board released their initial draft of rules for I-502 implementation, the framework for legalization of recreational marijuana. Much of the information is reserved for those interested in becoming part of the system – from growing to processing to retailing, but the rules also give end-users an idea of what they might see upon walking into a retail marijuana shop for the first time (which is expected to happen around the turn into 2014.)

From seed to purchase, there is a sea of regulations on record keeping, labeling, security and precise guidelines on the growth, quality testing, processing and transport of marijuana before it reaches a retail outlet. For those interested in reading about the system in depth, they are available online at https://lcb.box.com/initial-draft-rules. A good summary is also available from Seattle Times reporter Bob Young, found here.

The WSLCB is taking recommendations on the draft rules until June 10 and is expected to release finalized rules later that month.

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On the Go - Week of 5-20-13

Multicultural Day Fundraiser
Breath of Life SDA Church
9807 26th Ave. S.W.
206-762-0333 or 206-462-5866
Sun., May 26, 2-4 p.m. Come join us as we celebrate and learn about each others uniqueness. We will share music, songs, food, laughter and love. If you would like to present your country and culture please contact us to register.

Earthrise Chamber Choir Concert: Women Poets and Composers
Westside Unitarian Universalist Chapel
7141 California Ave. S.W.
Fri., May 31, 7:30 p.m. “The Tree of Life — Women Poets and Composers” concert focuses on works by Emily Dickenson, Ysaye Barnwell, Pauline Oliveros, Catherine Dalton, and others. Tickets at www.BrownPaperTickets.com : $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Information: Bert Gulhaugen, earthrise@wsuu.org or 206-851-3518.

Arbor Heights Elementary Spring Carnival
Arbor Heights Gym, Cafeteria & Playground
3701 S.W. 104th St.

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File photo

Mayor presents two possible solutions for Nickelsville homeless camp

By Ty Swenson
May 16, 2013

The residents of Nickelsville are awaiting word from the city on what will happen with their encampment, located in the Highland Park neighborhood of West Seattle.

The homeless camp moved onto city-owned public land in 2011 and their presence has not been well-received by some living near the 7116 W. Marginal Way S.W location. To that end, the Highland Park Action Committee (HPAC, a community group) asked Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn to move the camp out by June of this year.

In a letter to Seattle City Council President Sally Clark, McGinn wrote of the situation: “Signs of fatique are obvious and growing. Highland Park residents have identified an increasing number of concerns. A neighboring landowner is preparing a lawsuit, citing decreased land value. Questions have been raised recently about Nickelsville’s ability to govern itself and protect the health and safety of its residents. The current encampment situation is not sustainable.”

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