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Clark County May Soon Lift Ban On Recreational Cannabis Sales

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Clark County May Soon Lift Ban On Recreational Cannabis Sales

by  Follow OPB July 2, 2019 12:13 p.m. | Vancouver, Wash.

View original article at OPB

Clark County is on the verge of lifting its ban on recreational cannabis businesses. Despite being across Washington and in large cities, including Vancouver and Battle Ground, marijuana shops in unincorporated areas of the county remain illegal.

But a key decision Tuesday night could change that. Clark County councilors will vote following a public hearing on lifting the ban.

“Since Clark County opted to ban marijuana, it’s been an ongoing community conversation,” recently elected County Councilor Temple Lentz said.

Washington voters approved recreational cannabis in 2012, with 56% supporting legalization. But state law allows local jurisdictions to prohibit sales. Two years after the state vote, Clark County passed a ban on recreational cannabis businesses and included a clause that the moratorium could be lifted once the federal government delists marijuana as a Schedule I drug.

Clark County has considered changes to the marijuana ordinance in the past, but never had the support from previous councils.

That changed with last year’s election of Lentz, the Council’s only Democrat. She and Republicans John Blom and Julie Olson have all expressed interest in legalizing recreational cannabis, shifting to majority support for lifting the ban for the first time.

“For the folks who want to partake, it makes it easier,” Lentz said. “It’s regulated, it’s taxable, and it just seems to make sense.”

If the ordinance passes, six retail permits would be allowed in unincorporated Clark County. Three businesses already hold licenses but have not opened storefronts. They would be allowed to begin sales, and another three permits would also become available.

Lentz said the Council sees this as an economic decision that could create business opportunities and bring in as much as $700,000 in annual revenue to the county’s general fund.

“We can choose to spend it on things that are currently underfunded,” she said.

The Council has been considering code changes to the local marijuana ordinance since a workshop session in April. The county planning commission recommends allowing retailers to stay open until 11 p.m. and prohibiting retail shops from opening outside of the Vancouver urban growth boundary.

Lentz said that decision was made to avoid saturating rural areas of the county and assured residents that, “Our rural areas are not going to see a pot shop on every corner.”

Jim Mullen, owner of The Herbery, runs three retail shops in Vancouver and is looking to open a fourth in Salmon Creek if the ban is lifted.

“We’re growing every year,” said Mullen, who wants a more convenient option for customers living in North Clark County. “Having a stake in the game is just the right decision.”

Owner Jim Mullen runs The Herbery, a cannabis shop in Vancouver. He currently has three locations and is hoping to open a fourth if Clark County votes to lift its ban in unincorporated areas.

Owner Jim Mullen runs The Herbery, a cannabis shop in Vancouver. He currently has three locations and is hoping to open a fourth if Clark County votes to lift its ban in unincorporated areas. Molly Solomon/OPB

Clark County residents narrowly rejected marijuana legalization in 2012, by less than 1%. The more rural unincorporated areas have historically been less likely to embrace recreational cannabis. But with county growth and new residents moving in, some believe opinions on marijuana are beginning to loosen.

“The sky hasn’t fallen — and frankly there’s revenue to be made,” said Vicki Chistophersen, executive director of the trade group Washington CannaBusiness Association. She said the cannabis industry is responsible for 10,000 jobs and $250 million in wages statewide. “I think folks are starting to understand that this is a legitimate, legal business and it’s safe.”

Clark County Councilor Julie Olson believes her constituents’ views on marijuana have evolved over time, including her own. Olson originally voted against legalization in 2012, but now supports lifting the county’s ban.

“I think the question to ask is what value is having the ban,” Olson said. “Does it still have an impact that matters?”

To Olson, the ban has outlived its purpose and no longer seems relevant to the community she represents.

“The county is growing, people are moving here and demographics are changing,” Olson said. “The stigma around marijuana is going away.”

The Herbery Fairwinds TincturesThe Herbery Dispensary vancouver, wa

Stressed Out? Anxious? Fairwinds Cannabis’ PTSfree May Help

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To those servicemen and women who have sacrificed their peace of mind so that Americans can enjoy peace at home, you should know: Fairwinds Cannabis is fighting for you with PTSfree.

Fairwinds is well known in Washington’s recreational cannabis community for unique products that blend emerging cannabis science with ancient herbal wisdom. A couple years ago, they set their sights on developing a product that supports those for whom daily life can be overwhelming and triggering, including veterans, trauma survivors, and other people dealing with stress issues.

PTSfree by Fairwinds CannabisEnter Fairwinds Cannabis’ PTSfree.

Blending non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD and THCA with a dash of THC and calm-supporting herbs like ashwaganda in a vegetarian capsule, Fairwinds Cannabis’ PTSfree formula helps the user maintain a cool and collected state of mind and supports feelings of comfort when situations begin to feel chaotic and stressful.Fairwinds Cannabis’ PTSfree is formulated to have very little intoxicating effect, thanks to the higher ratio of CBD and THCA, although sensitive users may experience mild psychoactivity.

Imagine an unmade bed with rumpled covers and wrinkled bedsheets. Now imagine smoothing out the wrinkles and fixing the covers so everything feels nice and comforting. That’s the feeling you get from non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD or THCA.Fairwinds Cannabis’ PTSfree helps to provide that cool and calm feeling.

Many veteran customers reach for Fairwinds Cannabis’ PTSfree during firework season, although many have found them to be supportive for every day stressors. The capsules also have a cumulative effect, meaning they work better over time as they build up in your system. Check out this video from KIRO 7 news to hear stories about how PTSfree has helped some users.

What’s more, Fairwinds donates a portion of the proceeds from PTSfree to organizations that support military families and PTSD awareness.

If you’d like to try PTSfree capsules, The Herbery is honoring our veterans on Mon., Nov. 12, 2018 with 10% off their order with military ID (excludes in-house specials). You can view the menu for your favorite Herbery location here.

PTSfree has gone through rigorous quality and purity testing, is DOH compliant, and made from only all natural ingredients. Fairwinds Mfg is a licensed Washington State legal cannabis company that focuses on health and wellness inspired products with an emphasis on clean-room technology cultivation and science-based solutions as well as product and technology development. In accordance with Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board regulations we cannot make medical claims or provide medical advice. Fairwinds works with an amazing team of MD’s, ND’s and scientists whom have years of professional experience with cannabis. Consulting with a medical professional may provide you additional clarification and direction. Contact us for access to their expertise.

Disclaimer: Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgement. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not approved by the FDA to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Budtender Spotlight: Terrence

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Name: Terrence

From: Columbus, Ohio.

“I transferred out here on a work-related thing. I was in grocery for a long time – but I did a 180 and fell in love with the weed industry.”

Weed history: “I moved out here and for the longest time I had the stigma in my head that smoking weed was wrong. But so many people here are so open about it and so I decided to try it.”

He moved to Vancouver in May 2016, tried weed for the first time in August 2016 and he applied for a job at The Herbery in October 2016, which he got, he said.

“I came in and bought some weed, smoked it, then said ‘I really need to work here.’ It changed everything. I wasn’t necessarily against it before, but I was misinformed. Now I just love it.”

“I love how everything communicates something different to my body. Every strain is different, edibles are different, RSO is different. I love all the cannabinoids and terpenes. It’s great.”

Favorite strains: “I love the way Fireline trims and cures. Their product is always beautiful.”

Napalm Kush is his current Fireline favorite, he said.

“It’s like a roller coaster. You’re happy and giggling and first and then you just take off.”

He also loves Doc & Yeti’s Dutch Treat.

“It’s such a great high with no crash.”

And for edibles his current favorites are Smokiez and Legal Sodas.

Customer support: “I think I’m best with people who are in for the first time, people from out of state,” Terrence said. “When you walk in here for the first time it’s like another world. I also love the old stoners – you can just kick back and chat with them and absorb their knowledge.”

Weirdest thing about you: “You’d probably never guess it, but I’m a Game of Thrones fanatic. I love the books, I love the series, and I love talking about it.”

Where do you want to be in five years: “I am definitely excited to see where this industry takes me. I’m open to the idea of moving up, and that’s possible. But I’m just living in the moment – I love coming into work each day, and I love smoking weed and making recommendations for people.”

Video Introduction:

Budtender Spotlight: Corry

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Name: Corry

From: Seattle originally, but he’s lived in Vancouver since he was 9 years old.

“I consider myself from Seattle. I like it here though. The people are super nice, and there are nice places around here to hike and camp, too.”

Weed history: “I started smoking with my best friends when I was 15, and I remember learning to hide it from my mom. My friend got a job here at The Herbery and told me how awesome it was – so I got out of the restaurant industry, applied here and got the job!”

Favorite strains: “I love love love Pineapple Express from Nettles. It gets me drawing. I’m a huge artist so I love it.”

He loves sativas in general. “Indicas kind of knock me out.”

He also likes Orange Cream Panda Candies.

“They taste the best,” Corry said.

Customer support: “My favorites are the first timers. They’re afraid of being embarrassed. I can get them hooked up. I also love older couples coming back to it. I just love the excitement of first timers and people who don’t have a lot of experience with it.”

Weirdest thing about you: “If I hear an accent I can’t help but copy it. There’s a cat boarding place next door and the owner has a thick English accent, and I keep picking it up. It’s embarrassing but it’s also funny.”

Where do you want to be in five years: “I see myself traveling, like a nomadic world traveler,” said the 26-year-old. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a while. First place I want to go is Thailand. There’s just something about the art and food there, I think it would be really cool.”

Video Introduction:

Budtender Spotlight: Dominik

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Name: Dominik

From: Los Angeles, California, originally, but he’s been in Vancouver for several years.

“I moved up here with my dad when I was 16,” Dominik said. “He’s an airplane mechanic with Alaska Airlines. I ended up falling in love with Washington.”

He graduated from Columbia River High School and spent four years in the Air Force as a combat photographer based out of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

“I ended up staying in Nevada for a while after that, then I went to California, and then I used a tax return to buy a ticket back here with just the clothes on my back so I could be with my fiance.”

Weed history: “I was nine, and one of my best friend’s older brothers had it. I had actually heard about weed before that from DARE, but they didn’t have much to say about it other than don’t smoke it, and I ended up trying it” Dominik said. “I like everything about it. It’s all natural. It’s used as a medicine. It’s relaxing. And it’s a better social thing to do than drinking.”

Favorite strains: Secret Recipe from Cascadia Gardens.

“It’s sticky. It’s always fresh. It has a very pungent aroma – and when you smoke it you get a real terpene taste. It’s a great happy, silly high.”

As a dab fan, he also likes Phat Panda concentrates quite a bit.

“I enjoy pretty much anything Phat Panda makes – and Sunshine Farms has been doing really well with their dabs too – I love their Tangie.”

Customer support: “I feel like I’m good with all customers,” Dominik said. “There’s something about the older generation that comes in that’s really great – they’re normally the funniest customers. The things they tell you – like about how they smoked Thai stick in Vietnam – it’s just absolutely awesome.”

Weirdest thing about you: “I have a leopard gecko and a pug, deerhead chihuahua and a pitbull that I love very much. I’m a big animal guy.”

Dominik also makes his own hip hop music and loves outrageous stoner humor. “How High” is one of his favorite films.

Where do you want to be in five years: “I want to be maybe farming,” Dominik said. “I’ve sold glass, weed, edibles. The only thing left to do is start growing it – and I haven’t even scratched the surface. There’s always something new to learn.”

Video Introduction:

Budtender Spotlight: Matt

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Name: Matt

From: Swansea, Massachusetts – near Fall River.

He’s also lived in Southern California, where he made wax for the cannabis industry, and Wisconsin periodically. Matt moved to Vancouver in late May after visiting a friend in the area and checking out the scene, he said.

“I visited a bunch of weed shops up here and just fell in love with the city,” Matt said. “I applied for a job at The Herbery as soon as I could and they hired me. I’m really happy to be here.”

Weed history: “I’ve been a weed smoker since I was a teenager,” Matt said. “I’ve always been interested in weed – even before it was legal I knew that this was what I wanted to do for a living.”

In California he worked for a delivery service briefly before deciding he wanted to learn how to make wax, which wasn’t available as a legal consumer product at the time.

“I was interested in trying it but nobody would tell me how to make it,” Matt said. “I had to figure it out for myself watching YouTube videos. And one thing I’ll say – if you use crappy dried up material in your wax, you’re going to get crappy wax. I’ve learned quite a bit about how to make it the right way since then.”

Favorite strains: As a dab expert – Matt recommends Dorado concentrates.

“The stuff from Dorado is pretty good, and Phat Panda’s Sugar Wax looks really good, but I haven’t tried it yet because I’ve only been here for a few weeks. That’s next on my list.”

For flower, he likes The Jack from Cascadia Gardens.

“That’s one of the best sativas I’ve tried in a while,” he said. “I’m a big fan of the fruity lemon strain sativas. I just don’t like the lazy aspects of a high.”

Customer support: “The customers who need weed – not just the ones who want to get stoned. I like to talk to people who use it for specific purposes and need information. I have a LOT of information. If they have questions, I have answers.”

Weirdest thing about you: “I have a pet tortoise in Massachusetts named Sheldon. He’s at my parents house but I’m going to bring him here once I’m settled.”

Growing up, his grandfather had a pet store – which let him have some strange pets as a kid, including a racoon.

“You can train a racoon, but once they reach sexual maturity they go back to being wild,” Matt said. “But I’m kind of an animal whisperer. I can make almost any animal like me.”

Where do you want to be in five years: “I would actually like to start growing again. Not a big grow, just a small one where I can pay my bills and stay happy. I’d also love to get back into making wax.”

Video Introduction:

Budtender Spotlight: Sarah

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Name: Sarah

From: Forest Grove, Oregon. She moved to Vancouver a few months ago to work at The Herbery.

“This is just a super chill state,” she said of her new home. “Everything’s so easy to get to.”

Weed history: “My brothers used to smoke really hard core – and I was totally against it,” Sarah said with a laugh. “My parents smoke too. I got shooed away when they used to smoke.”

But then came Dec. 28, 2005 – a date she remembers clearly.

“I went to my brother’s room before I was heading off to Alaska and asked ‘so are you going to load it with me before I leave?’ My brothers got me blasted and then I moved to Anchorage for a while. After they smoked me out I couldn’t wait to get home and try it again.”

Favorite strains: Her favorite strain overall is Jack Herer.

“I like sativas and I like that one in particular – it’s a powerfully motivating strain.”

She also like Strawberry Banana from Cascadia Gardens.

“It’s a hybrid mix of Banana Kush and Bubble Gum. It’s the best tasting weed I’ve ever smoked. For me, it’s the perfect high – I can socialize and I’m not too self-conscious.”

Customer support: “I really like picky customers, actually. I like the ones who come back and tell me if they don’t like something – because I always want to learn how to help them better each time. I love a good constructive criticism.”

Weirdest thing about you: “I have psychic dreams sometimes, and in general I’m just really into dreams. I don’t know if it’s actually psychic or just my brain processing something that it picked up – but one time I dreamed about making up after a fight with my boyfriend’s mom and that we made up and exchanged socks. The next day I woke up and we actually did exchange socks. I’ve had other dreams like that as well. I’m just into all that crazy dream stuff.”

Where do you want to be in five years: “I just spent three years in the electrical trade and this is so much better,” Sarah said. “I want to be doing this in five years. I’m on the edge of my seat with excitement every day just to come in to work here.”

Video Introduction:

Budtender Spotlight: Nate

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Name: Nate

From: Vancouver and Battle Ground. He graduated from Skyview High School.

Weed history: “I grew up smoking, since I was about 14,” the 21-year-old said. “I always dreamed of having a legal job in the industry and it was a wish I wanted to fulfill – so I applied for a job at The Herbery as soon as I could and I’m so happy I’m here.”

Favorite strains: Raw concentrate syringes – they’re new and they’re about 99 percent THC, Nate said, adding that in general dabbing is his favorite way to consume cannabis.

“I really like dabs because of their strength,” Nate said. “I like to get the most feel from the flower and I love strong head highs. The rush you get from dabbing is just the best.”

For flower, Nate also likes Green Jack and Bear OG from Cascadia Gardens.

Customer support: “I’m best with the older audience,” Nate said. “They like people with thorough knowledge that can walk them through things in easy steps. I take pride in my knowledge – especially knowing which terpenes have which effects and how to use them.”

Weirdest thing about you: “I’m an absolute anime nerd,” Nate said. “I’m all about anime, manga and I also really love video games. My favorite right now is Overwatch.”

His two favorite anime shows right now are Tokyo Ghoul and Bleach, he said.

Where do you want to be in five years: “I want to be a store manager or product tester. I’d like to try out new things and figure out how to set some standards for the industry.”

Video Introduction:

Budtender Spotlight: Janet

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Name: Janet

From: Born in California and raised in Vancouver, Washington. She graduated from St. Mary of the Valley High School in Portland.

Weed history: “My family grew it, actually,” Janet said. “Before we left Sunnyvale California we grew it with our apricots. That’s how I learned how to trim it, make oils, tinctures, edibles and all of that.”

Favorite strains: Janet’s a big fan of OG Kush from Cascadia Gardens and Jack Herer from Phat Panda.

And for edibles, she loves Evergreen Herbal’s 4.20 bite-sized brownies.

“You can eat a couple of those and then you feel really good – you’re not out of it, it’s just perfect.”

Customer support: “I love everybody, really. I love to make suggestions, especially for people who come in without a lot of knowledge. There are so many products to choose from.”

Weirdest thing about you: Janet’s gearing up for her first marathon!

“I get up at 4 a.m. and I run four miles every day,” Janet said. “Running in a marathon is one of my bucket list things.”

Where do you want to be in five years: “I’d like to be a manager or something like that,” Janet said. “Everywhere I am, I like to rise to the top. That’s who I am.”

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