Pubdate: Sat, 27 Sep 2014
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2014 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: Evan Bush

SLOW ROLLOUT OF SEATTLE'S POT STORES MAY BE SPEEDING UP

But Supply Issues Still a Big Hurdle

One Plans Grand Opening With Glass Blowers Oct. 18

Two more state-licensed marijuana stores are scheduled to open soon 
in Seattle, but their launches could be muted by supply issues that 
continue to dog the local retail marijuana industry.

The owner of Uncle Ike's Pot Shop, Ian Eisenberg, said his company 
will start serving customers next week at 23rd and Union. Meanwhile, 
Oltion Hyseni, the owner of Ocean Greens said his company is 
preparing for a grand opening on Oct. 18.

Because applicants cannot use the state's marijuana tracking software 
before they're licensed, both businesses plan earlier soft launches 
to test-drive tracking software and serve customers as they train employees.

Statewide, the Liquor Control Board (LCB) had issued 60 retail 
licenses by Wednesday, said spokesman Mikhail Carpenter in an email. 
Five more stores will be licensed pending payment and 16 more 
applicants are awaiting final inspection.

In Seattle, the rollout of legal pot stores has been slowed by 
unprepared applicants, difficulties for some entrepreneurs in finding 
legal locations for their stores and issues with city permitting.

Both Eisenberg and Hyseni said a shortage of pot supply is now their 
biggest obstacle. Eisenberg said he will have a "couple pounds" in 
his store, but was reticent to publicize an opening date for fear of 
long lines. "If we don't have anything to sell, we'll have to close the door."

Eisenberg expects to be open sometime Tuesday, but wasn't sure what 
his store's hours would be. Hyseni said he's working to secure product.

Without consistent supply, Eisenberg said his "idea of a grand 
opening is turning on a little neon sign."

The aesthetic of Uncle Ike's remains a work in progress. "A lot of 
renovations are coming in the next month," Eisenberg said. "We don't 
even have a sign on the building."

Eisenberg said his company has been hustling to open and "making it 
up as we go along" because he wasn't sure until recently he had an 
avenue into the state's licensing process.

In April, the Liquor Control Board (LCB) held a drawing to determine 
who could operate Washington's 334 potential pot shops. The LCB 
randomly chose 21 applicants for Seattle, of the 191 who applied. 
Eisenberg, an entrepreneur and land owner, sought a license but his 
top lottery application drew position 120. As a result, Eisenberg 
entered into a partnership with a lottery winner.

Ocean Greens owner Oltion Hyseni, who won the 20th lottery position, 
expects to hold a festive grand opening at his location, which is 
between 92nd and 93rd on Aurora Avenue.

Hyseni said he hopes to feature local glass-blowing artists who will 
make pipes and paraphernalia, something he'd like to do regularly at 
his store if officials allow it.

Ocean Greens features a 1960s-era bar with a modern, contemporary 
aesthetic, Hyseni said. He will sell vintage lighters and ash trays 
as well as marijuana-infused edibles.

A real estate agent who emigrated from Albania 14 years ago, Hyseni 
said he "never pictured in a million years I would own a marijuana 
recreation store in Seattle when I moved here."

"I was raised under (an oppressive) regime," he said. "I'm very happy 
to be part of Seattle history."

Now, Hyseni will focus on the pot business.

"I had a great career in real estate, but this is going to be my new 
career," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom