Pot sales head closer to Moscow, Idaho

Marijuana isn’t getting closer to being legalized in Idaho, but legalized marijuana is inching closer to the state.

The second marijuana retailer allocated to Whitman County by the Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board – Premium Roast LLC – plans to set up shop on the Pullman-Moscow Highway, about 4,500 feet from the Idaho border.

The shop would be at the old Crossroads Nursery at the intersection of the Pullman-Moscow Highway and Airport Road on an 8.14-acre parcel.

Whitman County Commissioner Michael Largent suggested it was so close to the Idaho border to target the Moscow market, where it is still illegal.

“Why else would you site it there?” Largent asked.

The first marijuana retailer allocated to the county – Bud Hut – opened its doors earlier this year, also in the Pullman-Moscow corridor, but much closer to Pullman.

The county Planning Department has received a conditional use permit application from Premium Roast LLC to operate the shop.

Whitman County Planner Alan Thomson said there is a public hearing on the CUP at 7 p.m. Oct. 6 in the Public Service Building’s first floor auditorium in Colfax.

Thomson said if Premium Roast LLC is approved for a conditional use permit by the Board of Adjustment, any opponent would have 24 days after minutes are posted to file an appeal in Whitman County Superior Court. But, if the hearing and appeals go smoothly, the permit would be approved, and the shop would then need to meet Liquor and Cannabis Board requirements.

He said the county has already determined that the proposed marijuana retailer complies with the state’s Environmental Policy Act.

Moscow police Chief James Fry said he may reach out to them and see what the business owner is thinking.

“We’re definitely making contact with people that have the packaged marijuana that was sold in Washington,” Fry said. “We know where it’s crossing the border but haven’t seen a spike in that by any means. But we are finding it.”

Fry said he’s seen a number of Idaho license plates at Bud Hut, but noted those could be Washington residents with unchanged license plates.

“The people that would be buying it, would buy it at that shop, because it’s closer. You live closer to Wal-Mart you go to Wal-Mart; you live close to Safeway you go to Safeway,” Fry said of the proposed retailer.

Fry said because those retailers sell other merchandise, police can’t pull someone over just for parking and entering the shop.

“I don’t think that’s enough probable cause to make a stop,” he said. “Logically, you could say, if you’re in there, you’re buying marijuana. I don’t think we can take that leap.”

Another retailer also was interested in the location but backed out of the property in April, county officials said.