ONTARIO, Oregon — Access to weed just got a lot closer for Idahoans. The first pot shop in Ontario, Ore. is now open just a stone's throw from the Idaho border.
At the packed opening of Weedology, one Boisean said he plans on taking monthly trips across the border, and convenience is key; it's a lot closer than Huntington.
This Boise man and several dozen other folks with Idaho license plates came to Ontario Friday to give a warm welcome Ontario's first marijuana dispensary-- some waiting more than two hours to get in.
"We're a local group, and we're just real excited to see that we can put some money back into the community as well," said Eric Lantz, general manager, Weedology.
In Idaho, marijuana is illegal and can result in anything from citations or fines, to time behind bars.
Views on cannabis vary, but Lantz said he aims to educate and sell responsibly.
"There's warnings of driving while intoxicated. We are doing our due diligence to make sure we don't over-sell anybody," said Lantz.
But if a customer transports their product from Oregon to the Gem State-- even if it's under 3 ounces-- Idaho law enforcement can charge them with a misdemeanor. Thus, legally, customers will have to use their product in Oregon, on private property.
"I hate to say after that it's kind of their choice... we're gonna respect Idaho's laws, and I would hope Idaho respects our laws," said Lantz.
For Pavlis, after he saud he served in the US Army, he says he underwent several surgeries.
"They had me on fentanyl, Dilaudid, morphine and Percocet for breakthrough, and 220 benzos a month on top of it, and I told them, 'I'm done,'" said Eric Pavlis, Weedology customer.
He said he talked with his doctor about easing off those pills, and says he was given a medical marijuana card while living in Washington.
"I'm able to hold down school, I'm able to be productive and happy, rather than be a complete zombie-- which I was on the opiates," said Pavlis.
And even with Friday's wait to get in-- even with his commute to Ontario being just under an hour each way-- to him, it's worth it.
"It's important for me to maintain a quality of life but also be able to function without living in extreme pain. And if I'm able to control that, my quality of life has improved. So a little bit of wait, whether it's an hour or two hours, not a problem," said Pavlis.
