WSLCB Investigation Finds Illegal Cannabis Activity at Olympia’s “Northwest Alternative Care”

The store was not licensed to sell cannabis

OLYMPIA – During an undercover investigation, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) officers purchased illegal cannabis from “Northwest Alternative Care,” an unlicensed cannabis retailer located at 2210 Black Lake Boulevard SW in Olympia. Under state law, cannabis may only be sold from a licensed cannabis retail store.

Between September and October, undercover LCB officers made three buys of cannabis at the store. LCB officers subsequently obtained a search warrant for Northwest Alternative Care. In partnership with the Olympia Police Department, LCB enforcement officers executed the search warrant Wednesday Oct. 16, 2019.

The officers located and seized over a pound of cannabis flower. Officers also seized a large quantity of cannabis concentrates and cannabis-infused edible products being offered for sale. Many of the cannabis-infused products would have been illegal to sell in the regulated marketplace, including rice crispy treats, gummy bears, and flavored vapor products.

The owner was arrested by LCB officers and booked into the Thurston County jail for the cannabis crimes. The cannabis, cash, electronic devices, and business records were seized as evidence. Officers will be recommending felony charges for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of a Controlled Substance (RCW 69.50.401).

The investigation was prompted by complaints from the community alleging that the store was selling cannabis without a license, selling cannabis to minors, selling product that made a customer ill, and attracting criminal activity to the area, including attempted armed robberies.