The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe plans to open a cannabis store this fall.
The yet-to-be named operation, which will be located next to the Blyn Fire Station across from the Longhouse Market & Deli on Sophus Road, will have a medicinal focus and offer products not typically found in state-licensed stores, said Kyle E. Johnson, the executive director of the tribe’s Economic Development Authority.
“Our intention is to create a naturopathic environment that provides clients with information and education about the medicinal benefits of cannabis,” store manager Michael Smith said in a statement.
“Our shop will be one-of-a-kind for its incorporation of native culture and its focus on healing and well-being.”
Johnson said the store will be operated under an agreement between the tribe and the state, and it will source its products from state-licensed growers and processors, with the same testing and tracking requirements for marijuana.
“We have been intrigued by the science behind it that has allowed people who suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or been addicted to opiates or pain killers to get off of those medications with cannabis,” Johnson said.
Project plans submitted by Lindberg & Smith Architects of Port Angeles show an entrance to the northeast visible from U.S. Highway 101.
The plans, dated Feb. 19 and discussed last week during the Clallam County Fire District 3 meeting, illustrate a drive-through on the northwest corner and 28 parking spaces, two of which are designated for disabled customers.
Fire District 3 Chief Ben Andrews described a 3,500-square-foot building during his agency’s board meeting. Andrews said he had a meeting with tribal officials who told him they plan to use some of the Blyn Fire Station parking lot for construction equipment for the next four to six months.
“We hammered out some of our issues so they are clear of our need,” Andrews told the board of fire commissioners on March 19.
Johnson confirmed the size of the building and said the hours of operation are still under discussion.
Commissioners had some security concerns associated with the Blyn Fire Station.
“Are we going to have an issue from the standpoint of people hanging out?” Commissioner Steven Chinn asked.
Commissioners also wondered how lights from vehicles circling the drive-through might affect sleep patterns of career firefighters stationed at night.
“We know the tribe is building it, so it’s going to get done quickly and with quality,” commission Chair James Barnfather said. “It won’t be dragging on.”
Brian McLean is the Jefferson County Managing Editor with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. He can be reached at bmclean@peninsuladailynews.com.
