Pubdate: Thu, 02 May 2013
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2013 The Associated Press
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: Mike Baker, The Associated Press

DIRECTOR LEAVING AGENCY CRAFTING NEW POT RULES

OLYMPIA (AP) - The agency creating a regulated marijuana system in 
Washington state will lose its director, whom Gov. Jay Inslee 
appointed to a new job.

Pat Kohler will leave the Washington State Liquor Control Board to 
become director of the state Department of Licensing, according to 
Inslee's office.

The Liquor Control Board is now developing rules for a legal 
marijuana industry involving how plants will be grown, how marijuana 
products will be tested for strength and quality, and how many retail 
stores will be allowed.

Kohler will start the new job at the beginning of June, Inslee 
spokeswoman Jaime Smith said. The Liquor Control Board will work to 
select a new director.

Inslee is confident board members and staff members will keep the 
marijuana system moving forward in Kohler's absence, Smith said.

"I expect a very smooth transition here," Kohler added, pointing to a 
strong management team implementing a recreational marijuana system, 
something so far untested on the planet. Kohler, 52, said she's 
leaving the historic endeavor because it's been a goal of hers to 
serve in a Cabinet post. The Department of Licensing is much bigger, 
with 1,400 employees, than the liquor board, which now has 242 
employees, she noted.

She also will get a pay raise. She made $101,532 last year, according 
to state records. She said her new salary will be around $137,000.

Kohler's background is in accounting. She ran the state's Department 
of General Administration and worked in the state Auditor's Office 
before spending 11 years at the liquor board.

Brian Smith, a spokesman for the Liquor Control Board, said Kohler is 
committed to continuing the agency's work until she leaves. He said 
the board just learned of the departure, so there was no immediate 
plan for how the agency will proceed in selecting a replacement.

Washington and Colorado voted last fall to legalize recreational 
marijuana for adults over age 21. Washington state officials are now 
working to develop legal marijuana sales at state-licensed stores.

The board will begin vetting draft rules for all license types with 
stakeholders in mid-May. The rules are expected to become effective 
in August, with the board starting to accept applications for 
growing, processing and retailing licenses in September.

Seattle Times staff reporter Bob Young contributed to this report.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom