If you were going to run a business peddling marijuana, what would you call it? The Smoke & Toke? Stop & Pot? On Tuesday, Washington state released its first batch of business applications for just that endeavor, and at least one thing is clear: naming a weed business lends itself to a certain creative license.
On Nov. 18, Washington began accepting applications for businesses seeking to grow, process or sell pot. In the first week, 931 applications were filed, according to a list posted on the website of the Washington State Liquor Control Board (though many are from the same companies seeking to both grow and process marijuana). The application deadline is Dec. 19.
While there’s no limit on the number of growers or processors that can be licensed, the state is limiting the number of retail spots to 334, part of regulators’ attempt to keep the recreational-weed business competitive without spilling over into other states where the drug is not legal. So far, Washington has received 159 retail applications. The state plans to license the growers and processors first, likely starting in February or March, in order to begin producing enough stock so that retail stores can open in the spring, according to liquor board spokesman Brian Smith.
In the meantime, here are some of the Evergreen State’s aspiring ganga-preneurs with particularly punny business names:
Cannabiz Inc.: Retail
Cannabliss: Retail
The Chronicle: Retail
Divine Inhalation: Retail
Fweedom Collective: Retail
Happy Daze: Retail
Ye Olde Dope Shoppe: Retail
United We’d Stand: Retail
Bakecation: Processor
Bruce’s Green Acre: Grower
Growth Industries: Grower/Processor
Growing Like A Weed: Grower/Processor
Herban Myth: Grower/Processor
Holy Smokes: Grower/Processor
Jolly Green Horticulture: Grower/Processor
Trail Blazin’ Productions: Grower/Processor
Wacky Tobacky Producer and Processor: Grower/Processor