Legislation focused on pot shop robberies nears final hurdle
Recreational cannabis in Washington has grown into an industry with nearly $1.5 billion in sales in 2021 and more than 500 retail stores statewide, according to the state Liquor and Cannabis Board.
But the all-cash pot shops have become a target for organized attacks, with an alarming rise in armed robberies in recent months that has business owners, trade groups and lawmakers concerned for what's next.
Since January, at least 53 armed robberies have been reported at cannabis retailers across Western Washington, according to an independent tracker. Between 2019 and 2020, fewer than 50 such incidents were reported.
In Olympia, lawmakers are weighing a bill that would add 12 months to the sentencing range of anyone convicted of robbing a cannabis retailer, mirroring a similar rule for those who rob pharmacies.
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2022/02/22/pot-shop-robbery-bill.html
