Pot retailerhouse proprietors, regulators ponder options to rising violent crime

The current spike in lethal violence in our state’s retail marijuana retailers is pushing regulators to reevaluate safety protocols, and spurring elected leaders to suggest new legal guidelines aimed To shield enterprise staff and The general public at huge.

The current spike in lethal violence in our states’ retail marijuana retailers is pushing regulators to reevaluate safety protocols, and spurring elected leaders to suggest new legal guidelines aimed To shield enterprise staff and The general public at huge.

Three people have been killed all by way of current robberies at marijuana retailers throughout Puget Sound. Most currently, an worker at World of Weed in Tacoma was shot and killed all by way of a theft March 19. Police are on the hunt for the youngsters believed to be Responsible for his homicide.

The sufferer was recognized as 29-yr-previous Jordan Brown. 

On Tuesday, enterprise professionals met with regulators On the Washington Liquor and Hashish Board To debate challenges and options. Some pot retailer house proprietors expressed fear Regarding the rise of violent crimes, And the method current legal guidelines might make their amenities targets.

“It’s A tragic and tragic event that Nobody ought to Want to Bear,” said World of Weed proprietor, Alden Linn. 

Linn was Definitely one of a quantity of enterprise house proprietors who talked with regulators. Dockside Hashish proprietor Arron Varney tprevious the board That private safety might assist, however probably Solely for A lot of who can afford it.

“The mom and father In a place to afford armed guards are getting them,” said Varney. “These That are even hugeger targets right now than they have been yesterday.”

Industry house proprietors and enterprise advocates shared frustration thOn the federal authorities continues To acknowledge marijuana as a managed substance. Which means banking decisions are restricted for retailer house proprietors, leaving a money-only enterprise that enhazards each staff and The general public.

Laws meant To current aid stalled On the federal diploma. Now, native authoritiess Want to get inventive. 

“You’ve a sure group Of people being preyed on,” said King County council member Reagan Dunn. 

Dunn launched legislation That would permit some marijuana gross sales tax incomes to pay for enhanced patrols and completely different measures. But till banking insurance coverage policies change, Dunn says money-only operations like dispensaries put everyone In hazard.

“We’ve acquired to get amethod from money-only companies,” said Dunn. “It’s dangerous And by no means practical.”

Dunn said $4.5 million of that tax income Could be used, A minimal of Partially, To assist enhance safety for retailers like World of Weed. Linn said they plan To maintain closed till They will Work out a safety plan.

Associated: Employee killed in Tacoma pot store theft

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Source: https://www.q13fox.com/news/pot-store-owners-regulators-consider-solutions-to-rising-violent-crime