Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Ilwaco - Saturday Market has ended for the year, but the Port of Ilwaco will remain "green" this fall. Freedom Market, a marijuana retailer with sister stores in Kelso and Longview, is set to open the first pot shop on the Peninsula, with a grand opening set for Saturday, Oct. 1.
Shane Shaw, general manager of Freedom Market, announced the opening. Initially an August start was planned, but the date was delayed to allow for more community input.
"The city wanted to make sure the community was OK with it," said Shaw, "It was a good thing, it just took some time."
Branching out
Freedom Market and its sister stores are co-owned by Breanna Alleman and Jay Berneberg. The Kelso shop was one of the fist five in Washington to open, July 8, 2014.
Jordyn Holcomb will serve on-site manager for the store at the Port of Ilwaco. Holcomb brings experience and expertise in sales and management and is eager to meet Peninsula customers.
"I'm really excited about the new customer base, the new scenery - the new everything," Holcomb said.
Alleman is also enthused about the potential for a pot business on the port.
"To be pioneers in this new industry is exciting, and we're grateful for this opportunity," she said. "We look forward to bringing business into the community." Currently, there are two marijuana retailers open for business in the county - Raymond-based Mr. Doobies and Grower's Outlet in South Bend.
Pacific County is home to nine marijuana producers and processors, including BMF Washington, based in Raymond; Green Labs, based in South Bend; Kush Farms Inc., based in Raymond; Two Heads Co., based in Raymond; Vancouver Weed Co., based in Ilwaco, Millennium Marijuana, based in Raymond; Quality Growers, based in Raymond; Superior Harvest, based in Raymond, and Tantus, based in Raymond.
Pot at the port
Leasing the space at 133 Howerton Avenue wasn't an option according to Alleman.
"Because of the nature of our business, the bank wouldn't let the current owners lease to us. They said it violated their federal funding laws," Alleman explained. "We're actually having to purchase the building to be able to operate there."
The port location presents a prime opportunity, she said.
"It's such a great location. And everyone has been honest and upfront. Being a new industry it's kind of scary, especially in a smaller town, but everyone has been very respectful and open," Alleman said. "We're excited to become part of the community there."
Millions in marijuana sales
A marijuana concentrate called "Freedom Fuelhas" has become one of the company's most popular products.
"Our big special is the $15 gram concentrate called Freedom Fuel," said Shaw, adding that it's extracted from a Hawaiian-hybrid strain in Longview. An array of edibles and medically infused lotions will also be able.
"We'll have drinks, topicals, brownies, cookies - all that," said Shaw. Prices will range from $8 to $15 per gram for dried marijuana, with occasional $6 specials. Alleman believes the firm's friendly customer service, knowledgeable staff and top-quality product have been the secret behind the success at their locations in Longview and Kelso. Since 2014, the Longview location totaled more than $4.6 million in sales, the best among Cowlitz County dispensaries. To date, The Freedom Market has generated more than $1.6 million in tax revenue, according to Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCC) figures.
Seaview shop 'still a couple weeks away'
Mr. Doobees, the Raymond-based retail marijuana store, was initially aiming to open at 1410 40th Street in Seaview in August. However, issues arising during the remodel have delayed the opening until mid-October, or possibly later.
"It's a couple weeks away," said Gary Galloway, a private contractor based out of Raymond, who was working on the building Monday, Sept. 26. Rebuilding and rewiring the property, formerly a Windermere Real Estate office, has been the bulk of the work. Rewiring and securing the building were the primary reasons for the delay in the opening date.
"I yanked this out and rebuilt that. This is what they're supposed to look like," said Galloway pointing to newly installed security bars behind the windows. Alarms and surveillance systems are required for each marijuana retailer, according to Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Commission rules. Improperly installed security measures, including window bars, were part of the work that had to be redone to meet standards.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Pot Coming To The Port
Author: Luke Whittaker
Contact: (360) 642-8181
Photo Credit: Luke Whittaker
Website: Chinook Observer
Shane Shaw, general manager of Freedom Market, announced the opening. Initially an August start was planned, but the date was delayed to allow for more community input.
"The city wanted to make sure the community was OK with it," said Shaw, "It was a good thing, it just took some time."
Branching out
Freedom Market and its sister stores are co-owned by Breanna Alleman and Jay Berneberg. The Kelso shop was one of the fist five in Washington to open, July 8, 2014.
Jordyn Holcomb will serve on-site manager for the store at the Port of Ilwaco. Holcomb brings experience and expertise in sales and management and is eager to meet Peninsula customers.
"I'm really excited about the new customer base, the new scenery - the new everything," Holcomb said.
Alleman is also enthused about the potential for a pot business on the port.
"To be pioneers in this new industry is exciting, and we're grateful for this opportunity," she said. "We look forward to bringing business into the community." Currently, there are two marijuana retailers open for business in the county - Raymond-based Mr. Doobies and Grower's Outlet in South Bend.
Pacific County is home to nine marijuana producers and processors, including BMF Washington, based in Raymond; Green Labs, based in South Bend; Kush Farms Inc., based in Raymond; Two Heads Co., based in Raymond; Vancouver Weed Co., based in Ilwaco, Millennium Marijuana, based in Raymond; Quality Growers, based in Raymond; Superior Harvest, based in Raymond, and Tantus, based in Raymond.
Pot at the port
Leasing the space at 133 Howerton Avenue wasn't an option according to Alleman.
"Because of the nature of our business, the bank wouldn't let the current owners lease to us. They said it violated their federal funding laws," Alleman explained. "We're actually having to purchase the building to be able to operate there."
The port location presents a prime opportunity, she said.
"It's such a great location. And everyone has been honest and upfront. Being a new industry it's kind of scary, especially in a smaller town, but everyone has been very respectful and open," Alleman said. "We're excited to become part of the community there."
Millions in marijuana sales
A marijuana concentrate called "Freedom Fuelhas" has become one of the company's most popular products.
"Our big special is the $15 gram concentrate called Freedom Fuel," said Shaw, adding that it's extracted from a Hawaiian-hybrid strain in Longview. An array of edibles and medically infused lotions will also be able.
"We'll have drinks, topicals, brownies, cookies - all that," said Shaw. Prices will range from $8 to $15 per gram for dried marijuana, with occasional $6 specials. Alleman believes the firm's friendly customer service, knowledgeable staff and top-quality product have been the secret behind the success at their locations in Longview and Kelso. Since 2014, the Longview location totaled more than $4.6 million in sales, the best among Cowlitz County dispensaries. To date, The Freedom Market has generated more than $1.6 million in tax revenue, according to Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCC) figures.
Seaview shop 'still a couple weeks away'
Mr. Doobees, the Raymond-based retail marijuana store, was initially aiming to open at 1410 40th Street in Seaview in August. However, issues arising during the remodel have delayed the opening until mid-October, or possibly later.
"It's a couple weeks away," said Gary Galloway, a private contractor based out of Raymond, who was working on the building Monday, Sept. 26. Rebuilding and rewiring the property, formerly a Windermere Real Estate office, has been the bulk of the work. Rewiring and securing the building were the primary reasons for the delay in the opening date.
"I yanked this out and rebuilt that. This is what they're supposed to look like," said Galloway pointing to newly installed security bars behind the windows. Alarms and surveillance systems are required for each marijuana retailer, according to Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Commission rules. Improperly installed security measures, including window bars, were part of the work that had to be redone to meet standards.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Pot Coming To The Port
Author: Luke Whittaker
Contact: (360) 642-8181
Photo Credit: Luke Whittaker
Website: Chinook Observer
