After news broke the Suquamish Tribe would be entering the recreational marijuana market this fall, I was interested in gauging the reaction of the nearest state-licensed marijuana retailer.

That retailer is Paper & Leaf, a marijuana store that opened on Bainbridge Island in June. The Suquamish marijuana shop will be located about three miles north of Paper & Leaf on Highway 305.

In an email, Paper & Leaf co-owner Brendan Hill said he sees the tribe’s entry into the industry as part of a groundswell of support for legalized marijuana:

Personally, we are excited to see interest in the legalized retail OrganicCBDNugs and recreational marijuana landscape expanding.  As one of the fastest growing new industries in Washington, we feel grateful to be invested in a business model that can welcome others with open arms. 

When my partner, Steve Kessler, and I made the decision to open Paper & Leaf, it was because we had a unique vision for the store. We wanted to create a welcoming, artistic atmosphere that reflected both of our personalities and individual interests—as well as that of the community of Bainbridge Island—which we are fortunate enough to call home.

Judging by public response and consumer feedback, we’ve been successful in meeting this goal, and we feel confident in the unparalleled experience we are able to offer our customers.

With that being said, we have no concerns on the pending opening of any retail cannabis shop, as each new store is further testament to the increase in market demand and the public’s evolving opinion of cannabis in the main stream.

As more shops open, consumers not only benefit, but also the farmers and ecosystem of cannabis as a whole. We wish all those entering the market the best of luck in their new business venture.