Pubdate: Mon, 22 Feb 2016
Source: Herald, The (Everett, WA)
Copyright: 2016 The Daily Herald Co.
Contact:  http://www.heraldnet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/190
Author: Justin Nordhorn

POT BILL DOESN'T FOSTER ILLICIT SALES

The Jan. 22 letter, "Bill creates new pot black market," takes issue 
with Senate bill 6207, which exempts from public disclosure some 
information contained within marijuana licensing records. As chief of 
enforcement for the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, I 
would like to clarify that the intent of the legislation would 
protect only a small amount of information from being released publicly.

The bill specifically targets information such as the licensee's 
personal financial and retirement statements, shipment information 
for licensed deliveries, including vehicle identification, and 
building security information. Releasing this information to the 
public could potentially increase the risk for theft, fraud and the 
illegal diversion of marijuana.

Nearly all those who testified on the bill were in support of the 
underlying concept of this legislation. Even those who generally 
oppose such exemptions were willing to work together with industry, 
financial institutions and law enforcement to tailor it to address 
our specific safety concerns.

SB 6207 will both ensure unrestricted access to this information to 
law enforcement and protect the public's right to all essential 
information used to oversee and regulate the marijuana industry.

Few legislators have devoted more time and effort to eradicating the 
illicit market for marijuana and the role of organized crime than 
Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center. The enforcement officers of the LCB 
stand with her, Sen. Marko Liias, D-Lynnwood, and other legislators 
in support of this bill.

Justin Nordhorn Chief of Enforcement Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom