Bloglander

Well, if you were starting to feel hopeful that all the issues surrounding Washington's new marijuana market were being untangled, think again.

In the interview below with TVW, a public affairs network that covers state government, Washington's new marijuana consultant, Mark Kleiman, explains everything from his expectations for pot demand to his concerns about the state enabling drug addiction.

Kleiman and a team of about 40 other people — mostly academics and drug policy experts from his BOTEC Analysis Corporation— will be advising the Liquor Control Board about regulations it is expected to set this year for the state's new recreational marijuana market.

For one, the new market may not be the windfall some are expecting. Kleiman says widely cited estimates pot licensing and taxes could bring the state $450 million in revenue are wishful thinking. He believes it'll be more like 40 percent of that, or $180 million a year.

But the biggest challenge he foresees, like most people anxiously watching this process, is whether Washington can regulate pot and still keep prices competitive. On that, he's not sure.

Here's the full interview:

Cheers to the mid-size city by the river, my home. To all of its grittiness
and subtle beauties, to its modest residents and unexpectedly varied urban
scene, to its self-consciousness and self-deprecating sense of humor, to
its neighborhoods, and to the shared experience of belonging someplace
completely average and loving it and hating it all at once. Cheers to the
river that cuts so vigorously through the center of town and to the many
spots along it to feed marmots, eat blackberries, and to sleep
undisturbed. Cheers to the not-overly-quaint park that borders the river
and cheers to the large servings of ice-cream at the carousel always under
repair and to the garbage-eating goat also frequently clogged. Cheers to
aging architecture that softens the skyline and reminds us of the booming
city it once was and cheers to cheap apartments with vaulted ceilings that
now occupy them. Cheers to conveniently located watering holes centering on
a main arterial and cheers to their non-west-coast-like oevres. Cheers to
the taco trucks open till three and cheers to the drag queens that pour out
of the local establishments at that time and call you honey. Cheers to the
potholes and to the unplowed streets in winter. Cheers to the cougars in
the bus plaza and to the dead-end skywalks and to the mysterious
unoccupied, art deco food court. Cheers to the flute player in the king hat
who serenades my neighborhood every morning. Cheers to the unassuming.
Cheers to the resilient, hard-working residents who make time to pig out at
the park every summer. Though not glamorous or worldly, no city can hold a
torch, or a light, or a parade to my working-class, lilac-fragranced city
by the river. You and your ground squirrel-loving residents will be greatly
missed. Cheers to my family and friends, and friends of friends, and
acquaintances. Cheers to eight years well-spent, my love.

3/24/2013, Sunday. You: tan early 20's girl named Cassie we talked some,
about the machine we were playing. I wanted to get your number but you
walked while I wasn't paying attention. If ya want to chat, email me at
[email protected] and either send me a pic of yourself or tell me the
machine we were playing

It warms my heart that you've been such a devoted friend, constant consort
and trusted confidant these past years to my Bella; many times your
shoulder has been a safe haven. I've watched you blossom into a beartiful
young woman full of strength, determination, spunk and attitude. Wishing
you continued success in your future endeavors. Happy Birthday to my de
facto daughter Emmaline, and remember, "If you obey all the rules, you miss
all the fun." ps:Thanks for all the morning meets at the, "Little G."

March 10, we came for a birthday party. Bearded waiter rolled eyes as we
came in, told us to sit any where. When I was going over the wine list, my
wife tried to help and he cut her off, saying "We got this honey." And when
his selection was not up to my standards, it tasted old and moldy with a
hint of rind. I asked for a different selection, he said, "Whatever Sir"
tossed my drink in the sink and slammed the glass on the counter spilling
it on my hand. Hope you realize the tip we left was deserved. We hoped you
would be our new regular stop, but now we will never ever go there. Not
only was the service horrid, it also ruined a great evening. I sent a note
to you telling about it, no response. I don't know why I am surprised. I
thought maybe you would want to stay in business, but word will spread fast.

You cased the wrong car a$$hole! Hope you enjoy the hot yellow sports bra,
various tank tops and yoga pants you thief! My work caught you casing my
car at 6:38 and then breaking into my car at 7:08 pm on Tuesday the 19th.
If you had any decency you'd bring the clothing back seeing as how there
was no IPod or expensive shoes. You realize all the employees in that
parking lot know that there are thiefs and take the valuable stuff OUT of
the car before leaving it in the parking lot for upwards of 8 hours, right?
I hope karma catches up to you and you get a $100 dollar bill for your
vehicle over a few meaningless items.

Last Saturday, March 23rd at the STA Plaza, the handicap stall in the
bathroom was occupied. So I asked security if I could use the Family
bathroom. The security guard said no, it's for families only. I've been
allowed by other security, janitors, building maintenance to use the family
bathroom with no problem. I usually get the key from the Bus Shop, but is
was 9:00 am and they don't open 'till noon on Saturdays. Another guard let
me in when I asked. This guard said that it was wrong not to let me in. I
think it's a shame when a person who is handicapped and in a mobility chair
to be denied access to the bathroom.

Dave, it has been a amazing 2 years and it’s just going to get even more
amazing. Just about all of our problems have been solved, and I’m finally
starting to get it together. Thank you for being such a supporter, who has
stayed by my side. I hope you know that I’ll never ever stop loving you.
You’re more than my soul mate, you’re my best friend. Sue

3/20 from Bridgeport and Perry area. Female blue nose pit bull 2 years old.
Very stocky with a very beautiful face and sweet and friendly personality.
She is grey with a white chest. She needs medical attention very badly for
her ears which are very itchy and uncomfortable and also for her leaky
bladder. If you know anything about this missing dog please contact cameron
at [email protected]. a family and her male counterpart miss her very
very much

Cheers to the person who turned in my red clutch purse containing my debit
card, drivers license, and photos, at Target last Sunday! Thank you so
much! You are a lifesaver and I won't soon forget your good deed!