Ken Graham: FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Times was approached recently by an employee of the Walla Walla Cannabis Co. about the possibility of running ads in our paper, and also placing a paper box at the business.

My first reaction was the same as it always is when a new potential advertiser approaches us: Hooray! Another customer means more money for us.

But my enthusiasm was tempered as I considered the reaction we might get from some of our readers. I know that many people in our area are uncomfortable with having businesses selling marijuana nearby. The idea of us helping promote those businesses might not sit well with everyone.

While we generally encourage all types of businesses to advertise with us, we do reserve the right to turn down ads from businesses we deem inappropriate.

I decided to go visit the Walla Walla Cannabis Company in person. The store is located on West Main, three blocks west of 9th St. It has a very classy façade, and the owners have clearly tried hard to make it look professional; nothing like a 1970s head shop.

When I arrived I was required to sign my name and show a picture ID. Then I was given a badge to wear while on the premises. Those are requirements of all customers and visitors to the business.

The display area in the front of the store was spotlessly clean. All of the products for sale were under glass cases or behind the counter. They were all contained in well-marked packages covered with lots of warnings of what was inside.

Store employees told me that all packaging of the products was done by processors who supplied the products, following strict state guidelines.

The store seemed very secure, and I was told that only a limited number of people would be allowed in the store at one time.

In my conversations with the folks at the store, it was clear that they are committed to following the letter of the law and presenting a respectable and professional image of their business.

In my role as publisher of The Times, I have, in the past, encouraged local governments to accept the law that the voters in the state passed and choose to closely regulate marijuana businesses rather than ban them. On Page 1 of this issue is a story about Columbia County’s efforts to properly regulate marijuana businesses.

I personally believe that producing and making marijuana products available to adults in highly safe and secure environments is much better than having it available only on the black market, with no regulation at all.

However, The Times first and foremost serves its readers. And if you, the readers, tell us that advertising for a marijuana retailer in Walla Walla is something you feel is not appropriate on these pages, we will certainly respect that.