Since the start of i-502 recreational marijuana sales in the state of Washington, retail locations have had the power to pick and choose which producers/professors to purchase from.
This would not be problematic, if there were an equal number of producers/ processors and retailers..
As it stands, however, producers/ processors out number retail stores 3 to 1...
This disparity has created a scenario where retailers have the power to set prices, as they see fit--- often purchasing products at very low prices, then selling the product at 5 times the purchase price...
we as producers/ processors are responsible for creating the product, having it lab- tested and packaged...
In other words, we The producers/processors are doing the majority of the work, while retail stores are reaping most of the benefits...
We The producers/ processors feel that if each licensed producer/ processor were allowed to open one retail location whether at our facility or separate from our facility this would..
1. one level the playing field between Growers and retailers..
2. to create more revenue for the state of Washington...
3. prevent price gouging by retailers as it would force them to compete, instead of having a monopoly as it now stands etc etc...
4. create changes in zoning and hopefully lift moritoriums which are now restricting our abilities to offer product to the public, who now have to travel long distances to purchase their desired products.
