by COOLEEN SMITHWICK ARMSTRANGE

Now that it’s legal in Washington state, a variety of organizations are jumping on the marijuana bandwagon.

For the struggling state parks, it’s a no-brainer. With plenty of space and staff with horticulture knowledge, it’s the perfect remedy to their financial woes.

“We’ll be growing it on the land where we recently cut down trees due to root rot,” said Moran State Park Ranger Mary Jane Ganja. “It will be in a locked green house so young people or thieves can’t access it.”

On Election Day last November, Washington voters lived up to their progressive reputation by passing Initiative 502 to legalize recreational use of marijuana. The initiative passed with 55 percent statewide approval and an overwhelming 68 percent support in San Juan County, the largest margin in the state.

The park plans to sell its new product to medical marijuana dispensaries as well as visitors to the park. With a valid ID, campers can purchase marijuana to enjoy during their vacation in the park, as long as they keep the smoke in their tent.

“Are we concerned about drug use and crime? Of course. We always have been. But having this state-regulated helps us enforce the rules,” said Undersheriff Bryce Dustpan. “It’s the same as alcohol: don’t consume it in public and don’t smoke pot and drive.”

As the first state park to launch a pot initiative, staff is hopeful that it will not only provide a revenue stream, but will bring new visitors to Orcas Island as well.

“We hope it will entice a wide variety of tourists – from young college kids to retired CEOs,” Ganja said. “It will be a big boon for our local economy. We expect other state parks to follow our revolutionary business model.”

(Editor’s note: This is not an actual Sounder story, but from our April Fool’s Day edition The Flounder).