Dec 4, 2010, Seattle, WA -- Several medical cannabis business owners have announced the formation of the Washington Cannabis Association, a "trade association" for the cannabis industry in Washington State.
Spokesman Phillip Dawdy told the Associated Press that the organization is comprised of "about two dozen" businesses that have paid or pledged $5,000 for voting rights in the group. Others may join for $100, but do not get a vote. Speaking about medical cannabis legislation drafted by Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, the group said it "intends to be an active participant in shaping forthcoming legislation to reform Washington State's medical cannabis law."
"The medical cannabis industry has matured dramatically over the past year, and our new Washington Cannabis Association is proof," said Dawdy.
The group was created out of meetings called by activist attorney and I-1068 sponsor Douglas Hiatt in mid-September. At the third meeting, in early October, the voting members hired Ezra Eickmeyer as the group's full-time director for $5,000 per month.
"We are working right now on legislation with Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles to legalize a limited dispensary network," Eickmeyer told Q13 FOX News.
Spokesman Philip Dawdy announced the group on October 20 to the Seattle Weekly, stating that the group is "highly critical" of Kohl-Welles' legislation and plans to draft their own version and seek a legislative sponsor for it. Dawdy was hired as the group's media director for at least $1500/month.
It is not fully clear who comprises the WCA. Dawdy initially told the Seattle Weekly they represented "two to three dozen" businesses, but scaled that back to "about two dozen" for the latest press release. To our knowledge, these are the dues-paying members of the Washington Cannabis Association:
Media reports
