Pullman’s We’re Just Buds to close after Spokane owner’s death

While marijuana stores seem to be blooming like crazy in and around Pullman, one will be closing its doors Saturday.

We’re Just Buds employees and property managers confirmed Wednesday the death of the store’s owner – Len Breuer, 85, of Spokane – will result in the closure of the business.

The closure marks the first marijuana retailer to close its doors in Whitman County.

According to employees and property managers, the business’ last day of operation will be Saturday – maybe.

Bryan Smith, communications director for the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, said in the event a marijuana license holder dies, the license may be transferred to a designated guardian, executor, administrator, receiver, trustee or assignee.

Smith said as long as the person designated to take over the license passes a background check and other licensing requirements, the transition should happen fast, so the store can continue marijuana sales for the duration of the existing license. He said license holders have the option to renew their license when it expires.

We’re Just Buds, which opened in 2015, was the second recreational marijuana retailer to open in Pullman after Washington legalized recreational marijuana use.

Employees at We’re Just Buds say the store plans to reopen when the marijuana license hang-ups are resolved, but for now they will have to wait until the smoke clears.

The city of Pullman has been allocated five marijuana retailers. Whitman County was allocated two. Pullman’s three operating stores – Satori, MJ’s Pot Shop and, for the time being, We’re Just Buds – are located on the 1300 block of Bishop Boulevard. The Whitman County stores, Bud Hut and Floyd’s Cannabis Co., are located on State Route 270.

The city Planning Department is considering plans for two additional marijuana stores on Stadium Way in Pullman.

Dickinson said last week the city is reviewing a proposal for the fifth and final marijuana shop. If approved, Magic Tree LLC will be located in the office space inside of the old grain silo near the intersection of North Grand Avenue and Northeast Stadium Way.

The city has already approved the building permits for the fourth marijuana store, NSK Cannabis LLC, and construction has been underway for several months.

NSK Cannabis LLC is set to be located in the building at the intersection of North Grand Avenue and Northeast Stadium Way, across from Dissmore’s IGA grocery store.