Tourism in Washington state is a nearly $6 billion a year
business, that creates jobs for more than 53,500 people in the Seattle area.
People visit Washington for the scenery, fresh produce, microbrews, fine wines,
professional sports, and entertainment. Now, thanks to legalized marijuana,
there is a whole new facet to Washington tourism.
Pete Holmes and the City Attorney’s office have given their
blessing to allowing tourists to come to Seattle with the express purpose of
getting high legally. They also support the state Liquor Control Board’s
decision to permit nonresidents to purchase one ounce of marijuana at a retail
store. Holmes goes on to clarify that they don’t want to see retailers
“oversell” to tourists, increasing the likelihood that marijuana could be carried
back across state lines, which would draw scrutiny from the feds.
Some marijuana tourism issues still need to be ironed out
though. Among those issues are how the state will determine public consumption
and whether or not dedicated marijuana cafes will be permitted. In addition, how
will private sector tourism businesses, such as hotels, determine on-site
usage?
Some establishments have tried to incorporate “private
clubs” in their facilities to allow customers to use marijuana even though it
is illegal to use pot in public places. The state Liquor Control Board,
however, wants to ban any business with a liquor license from allowing
marijuana use on their premises, citing possible impaired driving issues. Some compromise will have to be reached. After
all, if adult tourists are allowed to purchase marijuana without a place to
smoke it, it will be difficult to add legal marijuana to Washington’s list of
tourist attractions.
