At least five years of regulatory experience. A law degree. Extensive expertise in every aspect of growing, selling, and smoking weed. It's not exactly the most commonplace list of job requirements, but it's the skill set Washington state is looking for in its new official marijuana consultant, the AP reports. Dozens of people showed up yesterday for an informational meeting on the position, which will involve advising the state's Liquor Control Board about how to regulate the suddenly legal drug.
The would-be consultants were a motley crew, ranging from clean-cut, suit-wearing attorneys to pony-tailed, hemp-necklace-wearing home pot growers. "Since it's not unlikely with this audience, would a felony conviction preclude you from this contract?" one analytical chemist asked. (Answer: A "heinous felony" might, but not a marijuana-related one.) Among the interested: Ed Rosenthal, co-founder of High Times, who is teaming with a San Francisco corporate lawyer to explore the position. One college-aged marijuana grower approached Rosenthal afterward. "It would be my dream to smoke a bowl with you after this," he said. (More marijuana stories.)