‘High Five’ is an interview where we choose someone from the local marijuana industry who is deserving of appreciation.
Ian Eisenberg is one of the owners of Uncle Ike’s Pot Shop. The fact that he is one of the owners didn’t have much to do with luck as he placed badly in the I-502 retail lottery earlier this year and walked away without a license. But, with a little bit of skill, experience, leverage, and perseverance, he was able to turn his dream into a reality.
We would like to thank this recreational marijuana store owner for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer the following questions. For opening the 2nd legal retail shop in Seattle, we give Ian Eisenberg a ‘High Five.’
1) Predict the Future. Three years from now what does the local Seattle recreational marijuana industry look like and where are we nationally?
In three years I think all 21 recreational shops will be open. The big “if” is what will happen to the medical marijuana industry. I think legislation will pass and medical marijuana will be rolled into the existing I502 framework or the LCB will be tasked with creating a similar framework. I also think there will be some kind of state patient registry. The price of recreational weed will continue to fall and the available products will expand. I think our regulatory framework will be a model for other states.
2) Go back to the age of 21. Someone tells you that you would open a marijuana shop in Seattle in 2014. How do you react and what do you say?
Sounds good, let’s do it!
3) What is your favorite part about running Uncle Ike’s? What is the most challenging?
My favorite part is the people. We have great employees and all of the vendors we deal with are, seriously, the nicest people I have ever met. One of the funnest things is dealing with the customers who are so happy and excited – it is contagious. One of the most challenging things is just dealing with Biotrack and working through the kinks associated with a new industry. Every day is exciting and filled with something new.
4) Who is your role model and why?
I’m still looking for one.
5) Martian Mean Green, Schnazzleberry, and Trainwreck, are some of our favorite names for strains of cannabis. Here’s your chance! If you could name a strain of cannabis, what would you name it?
Our average customer is probably 40 or 50 years old. I think a lot of the current names are lost on them. It will be interesting to see how the names evolve.