Two weeks ago, Washington State held an inaugural cannabis auction. Randy Williams, the owner of Fireweed Farm, held an auction where he got publicity for having 500-2,000 lbs. of cannabis up for sale. In reality, he sold 300 pounds and brought in roughly $600,000. Sadly, this is less than the $1 million he wanted to sell.
Williams planted the cannabis crop in May and it was harvested between September and October. Attendants could purchase the cannabis in lots that ranged from a half a pound to 5 pounds units. Due to the publicity Williams garnered, the attendees included representatives from Washington’s Liquor Control Board.
The cannabis auction was well organized and monitored by members of Washington’s police department. According to Marijuana Business Daily, one such officer, Jeremy Wissing stated that the event wasn’t “a circus” and that he didn’t see “open consumption of marijuana.”
In addition to selling part of his crop, Williams planned to set aside $14,000 worth of his haul to donate the proceeds to local Washington schools; however after the sale, Prosser, Washington school officials turned down Williams’ donation.
School officials state they declined the donation because they “want to take a stand against youth marijuana use,” according to the Seattle Times. Williams still wants to donate this money, so his next step is the Boys & Girls Club. If they deny his donation (they are currently discussing the matter), Williams will approach the VFW.
One reason behind the reason the donation was turned down is district superintendent Ray Tolcacher who is one of the biggest opponent of recreational cannabis. This incident highlights how the cannabis industry is still facing opposition as they try to integrate into communities where legalization has occurred.