recreational cannabis Archives

Homicides Down Since Beginning of Legal Cannabis Sales in Denver

September 16, 2016September 1, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

In one of the most drastic examples of the potential benefits of legalized cannabis, Denver, Colorado has seen a sizable reduction in violent crimes – particularly homicides – since the beginning of legal recreational cannabis sales.

Compared to 2013, 2014 saw an overall reduction in both violent and property crimes since legal cannabis sales began January, 2014. The most notable reduction was a large reduction in homicides – a roughly 25% drop – and a reduction in automobile thefts. All other forms of violent crime saw a reduction in their incidences over the same period.

Average Price of Legal Cannabis Drops by Over Half in Washington State

April 20, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Source: Washington State Liquor Control Board. — Source: Washington State Liquor Control Board (click to enlarge).

The price of legal recreational cannabis has dropped significantly in recent months in Washington, according to new data released by the state’s Liquor Control Board.

According to the Board, the average price of recreational cannabis throughout the state is $12 a gram. When sales began in July, average prices were near $30 a gram.

Nearly $40 Million in Recreational Cannabis Sold in Colorado in February, New Record

April 14, 2015April 13, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

There was $39.2 million in legal recreational cannabis sold in Colorado in February, setting a record for the second straight month. The new numbers come courtesy of the Colorado Department of Revenue.

The nearly $40 million in sales garnered roughly $4 million in taxes for the state, with the majority of that money going to school construction.

According to the Department of Revenue, there was $700 million worth of legal cannabis sold in Colorado in 2014; $386 million for medical cannabis, and $314 million for recreational cannabis. This resulted in $76 million in taxes.

Seattle’s Second Recreational Cannabis Retail Outlet Plans to Open Tuesday

September 26, 2014September 26, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Uncle Ike’s will become Seattle’s second recreational cannabis retail outlet on Tuesday when it opens at 2310 East Union Street. According to owner Ian Eisenberg, he received a license to open the shop from the state’s Liquor Control Board earlier this week, and says they should be ready to sell cannabis to anyone 21 and older come Tuesday.

Uncle Ike’s will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 7PM, and will be closed on Mondays. Some of the strains they plan to carry on opening day includes Lemon Kush, Snoop’s Dream and Pineberry.

Colorado Has Garnered $29.8 Million in Taxes From Legal Cannabis Sales in First Half of 2014

August 10, 2014August 8, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

The combination of legal recreational cannabis sales, which began on January 1st in Colorado, and legal medical cannabis sales, have earned the state $29.8 million in taxes in the first half of the year, according to data released from the Colorado Department of Revenue.

In total, there was over $24.7 million in recreational cannabis sold in Colorado in the month of June, a 19% increase over the previous month. In the same month, Coloradans purchased roughly $30 million in medical cannabis.

Based on the language of Amendment 64 which legalized cannabis in Colorado, the taxes earned from recreational cannabis sales are split between school construction, local jurisdictions and a Marijuana Cash Fund.

$3.8 Million in Recrational Cannabis Sold in First Month of Legal Sales in Washington State

August 8, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

There was roughly $3.8 million in recreational cannabis sold in Washington State in the month of July, the first month such sales were legal, according to new data released by the state. The numbers are based on just 18 stores open in July, 2 of which have yet to report sales. Only 6 of these outlets were open on July 1st, the day legal cannabis sales began.

“It’s off to a healthy start, considering that the system isn’t fully up and running yet,” says Brian Smith, a spokesman for the Washington State Liquor Control Board, the entity tasked with regulating the new industry.

Initiative to Legalize Cannabis in South Portland, Maine, to be on November Ballot

July 23, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

South Portland has certified an initiative to legalize recreational cannabis in the city after verifying that at least 959 of the over 1,500 signatures submitted were valid (from registered South Portland voters). The proposal will now be discussed by the City Council (on August 4th), who can either approve the bill directly into law, or send it to voters by placing it on the November ballot. The Council has already expressed its opposition to the measure, indicating that city voters will get an opportunity to voice their opinion on the issue.

If the initiative is approved by the Council, or by voters, it would legalize the possession, use and transfer of up to an ounce of cannabis for those 21 and older. A similar initiative was overwhelmingly approved by voters last year in Portland, with just 30% voting in opposition.

Over $1.2 Million of Recreational Cannabis Sold in First 10 Days of Legal Sales in Washington State

July 20, 2014July 18, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

In the first ten days of legal recreational cannabis sales in Washington State, over $1.2 million of cannabis was sold, despite just six outlets being open on the first day, and despite Seattle’s only outlet being closed just four days after sales began due to shortages.

In total, the Washington State Liquor Control Board says $1,272,172 was spent on legal cannabis between July 8th and July 17th, resulting in $318,043 in taxes.

Seattle City Attorney Partakes in Legal Cannabis

July 9, 2014July 9, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

When legal recreational cannabis sales began yesterday in Washington State, an interesting thing took place; Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes was fourth in line – meaning he waited hours – to purchase cannabis at the city’s first outlet, Cannabis City. Holmes purchased two grams of a strain called OG Pearl, and told reporters that it was for “posterity”, as well as “personal enjoyment”.

“The most important takeaway here is that today marijuana sales became legal, and I’m here to personally exercise myself this new freedom,” Holmes said on Tuesday in front of a crowd of people. “I bought two two-gram bags of OG Pearl, which was recommended. I’m keeping one bag for posterity and one for personal enjoyment at some point when it’s appropriate.”

Legal Recreational Cannabis Sales Underway in Washington State

July 8, 2014July 8, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

The sale of legal recreational cannabis is officially underway in Washington State, with just over 20 outlets allowed to open their doors today to anyone 21 and older. Some outlets, like Bellingham’s Top Shelf Cannabis, began sales at 8AM this morning, the soonest they were legally allowed to do so. Prices range from $13 to $25 a gram, depending on the strain, and the outlet.

Under state law, recreational cannabis stores can sell up to an ounce of cannabis to anyone 21 and older, as well as up to 16 ounces of cannabis-infused solids (brownies, cookies) and 72 ounces of cannabis-infused liquids (lotions, tinctures). You don’t have to be a resident of Washington State to purchase cannabis, you simply need a valid ID proving you’re at least 21 years old.