Pullman’s newest pot shop cited on second day open

The grand opening of Pullman’s newest pot shop wasn’t so grand last week when the 2-day-old retailer was cited in a sting operation allegedly selling marijuana to a minor.

Thad Stenlund, manager of Satori Pullman, said the company has not yet decided how to handle the ticket – which comes with options – but told the Daily News it is an error that will not be repeated.

“We definitely take the checking of identification seriously,” he said. “We just opened and were not operating under our regular policy.”

Stenlund said Satori policy requires identification be checked twice – when a customer first enters the store and again when at the cash register.

“We didn’t have enough staff on the floor,” he said.

The incident took place when the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board conducted compliance checks on Pullman’s recreational marijuana shops May 12.

The checks are performed by compliance aides ages 18-20 who enter stores and attempt to purchase alcohol, tobacco or, in this case, marijuana from licensed retailers using their own identification cards.

Pullman’s two other marijuana retailers, We’re Just Buds and MJ’s Pot Shop, passed the check.

Being ticketed for selling marijuana to a minor can result in either a 10-day license suspension or a $2,500 fine.

The business may also request an appeal.

Stenlund said Satori was not told of those options.

According to information from the WSLCB, compliance officers visit retail stores based on area licensing activities, public or law enforcement complaints, violation history, police referral or requests for education or technical assistance and will typically visit all businesses in the area they are serving.

Satori will have 20 days to respond to the ticket.