PROSSER, Wash. — As reported by KEPR TV, the first retail pot store is just weeks away from opening in Prosser. Despite creating dozens of jobs, the store isn’t exactly welcomed in the community.
What looks like an inconspicuous modular building off Merlot Drive, will be the area’s first pot retailer.
Altitude will carry a variety of marijuana strains, a majority coming from local growers. When this store opens, it will create more than 50 jobs for the community. Manel Valenzuela, the the spokesman for Altitude, says a good deal of the money made will be pumped right back into the local economy.
75 percent is going to be taxable, that includes federally as well. And 25 percent of that 75 percent goes right back into the community. That’s going to include law enforcement, back into our schools, among other things as well,” he says.
Meanwhile Tuesday, a community action group hosted a luncheon that addressed what they call a growing marijuana problem in Prosser.
Jennifer Dorsett leads the coalition. She sees problems with a pot store opening up in town.
“It’s creating access for our youth. Though they won’t sell to youth, maybe, it’ll create more marijuana within the community for our youth to access,” she says.
Manel assured us, Altitude is taking every step to make sure their product doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
“If you’re not 21, you’re not going to be purchasing any marijuana from our location. And everything is highly regulated,” he says.
Manel says he understands the community’s concern. He likens the debate over marijuana to alcohol prohibition:
“Whether you’re pro or con what we’re doing here, within probably, this is estimated, six to eight months, you’ll see the positive impact it has on the community and I think in general, that’ll win over some people’s hearts.
That remains to be seen until the doors open next month. Other shops in our area have applied for retail licenses, but Altitude is the only one that is set to open this July.
The next closest stores are in Wenatchee, Seattle, and Spokane.