The state Liquor Control Board issued a license for a recreational marijuana shop in Belfair last month. It was the first retail marijuana license issued for Mason County.
The store, called Ganja Vita, is planned for 23441 NE Highway 3, across the street from the Harrison Medical Center clinic.
Owner Erica Weick said she’s waiting on final county approval to open. She hopes the high-visibility location will keep business brisk.
Mason County has become a hot spot for growing operations — 13 producers have been approved so far (see map). Three were approved in December alone.
Retail has been a different story. The state will allow up to five shops in the county, including one in Shelton. But Weick said zoning restrictions made it challenging to find a suitable space for a shop.
The state received 20 retail applications and 47 producer applications for Mason County. Seven recreational marijuana businesses have been approved in Kitsap County.
