Hundreds of hopeful marijuana business operators have flocked to local permitting authorities and filed applications to open pot shops — and that’s in just the first week of the enactment of a state law that lets recreational sales and production commence.
Early in the afternoon on Monday, 299 applications around the state had been received, The Daily Chronic reported. By Friday, that number had soared to 700 — and counting, said Q13Fox.com, a local news station.
The state, however, may scale back some of those hopes. The Liquor Control Board, which will oversee the new marijuana shops, says the state will award license to up to 334 retail stores, or up to 2 million square feet for marijuana production, The Daily Chronic said.
The applications are expected to be processed early next year. They’re being accepted through Dec. 17.
Applicants come from a range of business background — including those who used to work as Microsoft executives.
“I believe being first to market in this industry is going to be key,” said Daniel Curylo, who spent about $500,000 to turn a property in Shelton into a marijuana processing plant to grow the drug indoors, in the Q13FoxNews.com report. “We’re taking a very big risk. Well, this whole venture is one big risk.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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