Stoner Guide 101: Fun Things to Do In Bremerton When You’re High

You love cannabis -- and we do too! When you visit Clear Choice, our humble little -- well, big! -- recreational Bremerton dispensary, we want you to have a rocking time. That’s why we created this handy guide, the Stoner Guide 101 - Fun Things to Do In Bremerton When You’re High, to make sure you have an unforgettable experience. In the guide below, we’ll give you the 411 on everything you need to know to enjoy cannabis safely and responsibly in Bremerton.

Enjoy!

Stoner Guide 101: Cannabis Legality in Bremerton

Stoner Guide 101 Marijuana Legalization

First, here are the basics on cannabis and its legality in Bremerton.

Age requirements: You need to be at least 21 years old for adult-use recreational in Bremerton and the state of Washington. For medical use, you must be at least 18 with a recommendation.

Acceptable ID: Like alcohol, you’ll need a valid ID to purchase cannabis products. Here’s what’s acceptable:

Possession: Laws in Washington and Bremerton are similar to other states like California, Oregon, Colorado, and Nevada. You may carry:

Consumption: Public consumption is still forbidden in Washington and any use on federal land is illegal.

Stoner Guide 101 Planning: How to Prepare Before You Get High

Stoner Guide 101 Plan

Failing to plan is planning to fail. Before you go on your expedition, make sure to create a plan and gather your necessary supplies.

1. Create a Plan 

2. Gather All Your Necessary Gear  

Stoner Guide 101: Things to Do When High in Bremerton

Bremerton has no shortage of things to do when you’re high. Here are a few of our recommendations.

Have a Laugh: Go to a Comedy Club

Stoner Guide 101 Comedy

Seattle has long been known as a hub of comedy on the West Coast. We have a wealth of comedy venues that are perfect for the cannabis-inclined. While this is far from an exhaustive list -- we have so many great venues! -- the list below should provide a good starting point to enjoy Seattle’s best (and specifically venues that are close to Bremerton)!

Laughs Comedy Club Seattle

5220 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Get Directions
Call: (206) 526-JOKE
Website

Laughs Comedy Club in Seattle is brought to you by Terry Taylor and husband and wife duo, Dave and Angela Dennison. Dave, himself a standup comedian, attended UCLA and California Polytechnic, and later managed restaurants and comedy clubs in Utah and California. He uses his extensive Rolodex to book some of the best headliners to the stage. Dave and Angela regularly scout rising stars as far as Montreal, Quebec, and never fail to disappoint. Angela, was in fact, named one of the “Eastside Women Entrepreneurs Leading Ladies” by 425 Magazine.

Laughs Comedy Club Seattle is open from Wednesday to Sunday, hosting one to two shows nightly.

Make sure to show up Wednesdays, which is “Open Mic Night,” allowing up-and-comers to try out new material. Best of all: There’s no cover charge! Headliners on Friday and Saturday night shows cost $15 to $20, with a two-item minimum.

Comedy Nest - The Rendezvous

2322 2nd Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
Get Directions
Website

There’s plenty of seating in the Rendezvous basement where you’ll find a welcoming environment for just $5 a ticket. Haters (and hecklers) need not apply! The Comedy Nest is especially welcoming of female comics, which is refreshing in a field that has historically been male-dominated. You’ll enjoy a wide variety of diverse material that you probably won’t find elsewhere.

Hey, do you have the itch for stand-up? Why not give the open mic a try? You might surprise yourself!

Unexpected Productions Improv

1428 Post Aly at Union St.
Seattle, WA 98101
Get Directions
Website

Improv is a little different than standup, and the Unexpected Productions Improv does NOT disappoint! With an amazing venue, incredible staff, and hilarious performances, there’s little doubt that you’ll soon become a regular!

What’s great about the “Unexpected” is that they involve the audience. So if you’re planning to “get high,” maybe opt for a peppy Sativa instead of a couchlock-inducing Indica.

The venue has a quaint little bar with drinks that won’t break the bank and the whole experience is both incredibly fun and affordable!

Get Cultured and Enjoy the Arts

Stoner Guide 101 Culture

Admiral Theatre

515 Pacific Ave
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 373-6743
Get Directions
Website

Bremerton is home to the historic Admiral Theatre, a performing arts establishment that has been around since 1942 and which underwent a complete renovation in 1997. After the renovation, it became the premiere live entertainment and events venue in Bremerton and the surrounding area. Admiral Theatre focuses on enriching the lives of the local community through “arts, cultural education, and entertainment.” The theatre hosts 50,000+ patrons per year for 110 diverse performances and local community events -- that includes everything from music to comedy and everything in between!

Bainbridge Performing Arts

200 Madison Ave N
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Get Directions
Website

In 1956, a passionate group of actors and artists came together to found the Bainbridge Performing Arts, a venerable institution that continues to thrive today. One of the best regional community theatres in the Pacific Northwest (and perhaps the country), it serves as the artistic hub of Bainbridge, where actors, dancers, designers, musicians, poets, singers, writers, collaborate to entertain and enrich the local community. BPA's Amadeus production won bigly in the Broadway World Seattle 2016 Awards. BPA's actors, directors, shows, and technical staff were prominently recognized in 2016's Kitsap Sun's accolades.

Get Patriotic: Go to a Naval or Veterans Museum!

Stoner Guide 101 Veterans

If you’re a vet (or a patriot), Bremerton is a cannabis lover’s utopia. There are numerous museums that you can visit that will excite and educate you about Bremerton’s rich history!

USS Turner Joy Museum Ship

300 Washington Beach Ave
Bremerton, WA 98337-5668
Get Directions
Website

The USS Turner Joy Museum Ship provides a self-guided tour. The cost of admission is just $16 and provides a robust history on the ship with a ton of interesting things to do. The museum allows you to take pictures and even climb up and down most of the features within the USS Turner. You don’t want to miss this! Most importantly, you’ll experience and learn about the myriad sacrifices our military has made. You’ll want to bring comfortable clothing, as you’ll be traversing and climbing ladders and climbing into nooks and crannies.

This is a real Navy Destroyer from the Vietnam conflict that you actually get to experience and explore at your own pace. In fact, the crew and officers quarters are accessible to visitors. You can easily access from Seattle via the ferry. It’s adjacent to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Memorial Plaza

250 1st St.
Bremerton, WA 98337
Get Directions

Enjoy the scenic fountains on display, including the main fountain conveniently located next to the Ferry Terminal. From the shipyard, you can walk to other fountains in the area, as well as the Boardwalk and hotels. Learn about the contributions of wartime workers, including the many women who contributed to the war effort (both during WWI and WWII). The park has an abundance of picnic tables and park benches, making it ideal for having a picnic. Truly one of Seattle’s gems! Oh, did we mention the sculptures?

Puget Sound Navy Museum

Free Admission!
251 1st St.
Bremerton, WA 98337
Get Directions
Website

The Puget Sound Navy Museum is simply awesome! Truly an interactive experience, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy the picture displays. Parking isn't great, but it’s still well worth it. The museum provides amazing exhibits on military life -- for example, MLB players in the Armed Forces and what they did -- that have been curated at a world-class level. There’s something for everyone to see here. The gift shop ain’t too bad, either. You’ll no doubt find some choice pieces you’ll want to take home as mementos.

Moreover, there are so many areas that provide an educational experience, and the volunteers (docents) are there to guide and educate you. You’ll get an authentic feel of a sailor’s life! The surrounding area has a memorial for the USS Parche, which is also beautiful.

Best part? It’s free! Though donations are accepted.

Veterans Living History Museum

825 Bay St, Port
Orchard, WA 98366-5205
Get Directions

If you like military history (or if you’re a veteran or have a family member who is), you’ll love the Veterans Living History Museum. It’s a small space, but it’s loaded with incredible memorabilia. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable -- and have a wealth of historic stories -- ensuring your visit will be worthwhile. Visitors describe the museum as being quaint, yet rich in history, with original relics of our nation’s military past. Whether you’re a history buff or stoner who loves the History Channel, this place is for you!

Bremerton Historic Ships Association

300 Washington Beach Ave,
Bremerton, WA 98337-5668
Get Directions

Supposedly, the USS Turner, which is docked on the Bremerton Public Pier, is the ship that started the Vietnam Conflict. Now if that ain’t a piece of history, what is? The ship was involved in the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Incident that many people claim started the Vietnam war. You can actually walk through nearly 90 percent of the ship on a tour (or by yourself.) To tour, set aside at least an hour to see the restored ship. You’ll be able to see how sailors lived, worked, and fought.

Stoner Guide 101: Enjoy the Town of Bremerton

Bremerton Boardwalk

243 2nd St.
Bremerton, WA 98337
Get Directions

The Bremerton Boardwalk is a great place to soak up the views. With plenty of grass, beautiful flowers, shops for boaters, the Navy Boat Museum, and a ferry with access to Seattle, the Bremerton Boardwalk is a great place to spend a stoney afternoon.

You’ll frequently find festivals or concerts during the summer. It’s also close to the convention center. Because the area is most often used for ferry travel, it’s frequently overlooked -- almost a hidden gem! Don’t miss the Bremerton Blackberry Festival which usually takes place at the end of February.

Stoner Guide 101 Cheap Eats: Get Your Munch On!

Stoner Guide 101 Munchies

Like pretty much all of Seattle, Bremerton has no shortage of tasty grub -- yes, munchies! -- to help you refuel after imbibing in some of the Pacific Northwest’s legendary cannabis. Bremerton has a lot of great cheap eats, particularly if you like Asian and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine!

Here are a few essential places to grub. There's no doubt why these places made the Stoner Guide 101:

American

Hi-Lo’s 15th St. Cafe U

Breakfast & Brunch
2720 15th St
Bremerton, WA 98312
(360) 373-7833
Get Directions

Manette Yacht Club Bar

Burgers, American (Traditional), Tapas Bars
120 Washington Beach Ave
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 479-9801
Get Directions

Asian & Hawaiian

Cafe Kai

Hawaiian
2518 Wheaton Way
Bremerton, WA 98310
Get Directions
Website

Island Kitchen & Fast Food Restaurant

Hawaiian
2414 Wheaton Way
Bremerton, WA 98310
(360) 377-8066
Get Directions

Kama’Aina Grill

Hawaiian, Barbeque
208 1st St
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 377-1808
Get Directions
Website

Island Flavors

Filipino
2901 Perry Ave
Bremerton, WA 98310
(360) 479-2552
Get Directions

Island Hut

Hawaiian
2502 6th St
Bremerton, WA 98312
(360) 627-9732
Get Directions
Website

Umami Kitchen

Sushi Bars, Korean, Japanese
200 1st St
Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 377-1777
Get Directions
Website

Mexican

El Balcon

Mexican, Salvadoran
326 Pacific Ave
Bremerton, WA
(360) 813-1617
Get Directions
Website

Juanito’s Taqueria

Mexican
6721 Kitsap Way
Bremerton, WA 98312
(360) 377-2595
Get Directions

La Rancherita

Mexican
4930 Kitsap Way
Bremerton, WA 98312
(360) 525-7756
Get Directions
Website

Stoner Guide 101: Closing Advice

Bremerton is a great place to “get high” and soak up the local attractions, but common sense still applies. We hope our Stoner Guide 101 helps you plan an epic visit. Here are a few more things to keep in mind before you embark on a fun-filled cannabis-infused excursion.

For the most up-to-date cannabis laws in Washington, visit the NORML website.

Bottom line: stay safe, follow the laws, and most importantly, have fun! And, if you're in the Tacoma area, be sure to check out our Guide to Visiting Tacoma Stoned.

Looking for the best cannabis in Bremerton? Check out the Clear Choice Bremerton Cannabis Menu for our current inventory.

Home Grown: Thumbs Up or Down for Washington Growers?

Of all the states that allow recreational cannabis, Washington is the only one that prohibits growing cannabis indoors for residents. Now, there’s hope that may change. But what could that mean for you and your favorite local dispensary?

The right to grow your own marijuana has been enshrined in cannabis culture from its very earliest days. At its roots—no pun intended—cannabis is, of course, merely a plant. It's a completely natural product that requires minimal processing to be medically or recreationally viable.

Of course, there’s a catch: for decades, growing cannabis indoors wasn’t a right, but a serious crime under federal law.

Now it seems that’s all up in the air…or is it?

While federal decriminalization seems only a matter of time, it’s impossible to predict when that will happen. And that uncertainty has much to do with why Washington finds itself the only cannabis-legal state that prohibits its citizens from growing cannabis indoors. How’d we come to this state of affairs, and—more importantly—is there hope this will change anytime soon?

The Cole Memo: A Shaky Foundation for a Legal-Weed America

In considering whether or not to decriminalize at all, most states refer to the Cole Memo. This 2013 memo outlined a cautious, legally nuanced approach for states to determine their destiny when it comes to cannabis.

Though in hindsight, the Obama-era Department of Justice looks like an opium den compared with the current iteration under Jeff Sessions, the Cole Memo was really just a tentative first step in the legalization process. As we’re seeing under the current administration, it offers states no real protection against a federal crackdown, which Sessions has promised more than once.

So when it came time to debate decriminalization, Washington State went over and above the memo. It became the only legal-weed state to prohibit private citizens from growing cannabis indoors. (The more recent SB 5131 made an exception for medical marijuana patients to grow a limited amount for personal use.)

While that’s a major frustration for budding home growers, there is still hope. Namely, in the form of a State-mandated recommendation by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB), which hit lawmakers’ desks late in 2017.

The LCB Report: A No-Go on Growing Cannabis Indoors

Sadly, any short-term hope those itching to grow cannabis indoors may have felt evaporated with the Dec. 1 report. While it didn’t recommend continuing the ban on home growing, maintaining the status quo emerged as one of two strong options. The other being a strict framework of state regulation including permitting and the same rigorous traceability provisions commercial operations such as Clear Choice are required to use. (A middle-ground LCB recommendation providing looser oversight appears to be a rather distant third choice.)

Of course, the final say lies with state lawmakers, who begin the 2018 legislative session in early January. However, the Cole Memo's tone and the Attorney General’s stance on cannabis indicate the ban will likely remain in effect.

As always, we'll keep our ears to the ground to continue reporting on the cannabis issues you care about most. In the meantime, we urge you to contact your representatives directly and let them know your concerns regarding this important issue. While we’re proud to supply you with the best cannabis around, we support your right to determine where and how you get cannabis.

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Why Is Washington Cannabis the Best In the World?

Hey, we’re not above a little bit of home state pride: we’re pretty sure that the cannabis grown here in the Evergreen State comes from the freshest, cleanest, best-cared-for plants anywhere in the world.

But on a more objective note, the safeguards and standards put forth in Washington Initiative 502 are among the most forward-looking and comprehensive in the country. And as we noted in an earlier blog, the passage of Bill 5131 moves the game even further ahead by kickstarting the process of assessing cannabis quality from seed to flower with a model based on the Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program.

By adopting a food-based approach—or perhaps more appropriately, one based on wine?—the state recognizes cannabis in the same way most consumers do: as a high-value agricultural product, deserving of the same quality protections we subject our food and beverages to.

What Are Labs Looking For?

State law mandates that all cannabis offered for sale be tested by a third-party laboratory, and this oversight is widely touted as being one of the chief advantages of a legal, well-regulated cannabis industry.

Testing for mold and other contaminants was factored into the original recreational cannabis law of 2012, Washington Initiative 502. The requirement for mold testing is significant, as it’s often difficult to detect visually and can have serious health impacts on consumers.

Then, after a lengthy period required to settle on an effective testing protocol, the state stepped up its pesticide-testing regimen in 2016. Widely hailed in the cannabis industry, the program is still in a ramping-up mode, but already seen as putting an effective chill—as opposed to “chill out”—on growers tempted to use illegal pesticides.

The Consumer Impact

Of course, all these protections come at a price, and Washington State imposes a 37% charge structured as a sales tax (it should be pointed out that Washington has no actual sales tax, so this surcharge is especially significant).

This means that legal weed, at least for the time being, is pricier than that found on the street. If the illegal marijuana industry has any hope of survival, this is the only real leverage it possesses, and there are plenty of examples that legalization hasn’t completely shuttered the black market.

Advocates of legalization are taking the long view that over time, the price of legal weed will continue to drop, making the surcharge for buying illegal less of motivation for buyers on the fence. And if the wave of legalization on the national front, fewer states where cannabis is illegal means fewer states where illegal growers can make a handsome profit on smuggled cannabis.

A Personal Dedication to the Best Weed

Particularly at this early stage, as state testing and regulation protocols are in their infancy, many of the decisions about cannabis cleanliness and purity are being made where the rubber hits the road: in dispensaries.

Just as we’ve seen in the food-and-wine world, some operations are distinguishing themselves with a qualitative approach to cannabis, testing their cannabis over and above state guidelines to ensure the safety and good health of their products. It’s an involved and expensive procedure in and of itself, but we’re pleased to see that, by and large, the marketplace has responded with overwhelming positivity. It may just be what makes Washington cannabis the best in the world.

 

How Washington Marijuana Laws Are Changing (For the Better)

In so many regards, we have it so good here in Washington State: The unspoiled, awe-inspiring beauty of natural resources like Puget Sound and the Olympic mountain range; a healthy economy based both on cutting-edge tech and natural products like old-growth timber, dairy and crops from our bountiful and productive acreage.

Oh, and don’t forget our forward-thinking cannabis laws!

Washington was ahead of the cannabis curve in many regards, decriminalizing medical use back in 1998, and pioneering—along with Colorado—full legalization in 2012 (full phase-in being completed in July 2014).

Now, three years in, public comfort with and acceptance of cannabis is high, no pun intended. But the making of Washington marijuana laws—like that of sausages, to quote Otto von Bismarck—is a complex, often messy affair, and when it comes to cannabis, it’s an understatement to categorize our laws as “works in progress.”

That said, considering that a few short years ago, the use and possession of cannabis garnered otherwise law-abiding citizens serious jail time, this evolution is nothing short of miraculous. It appears that post-legalization, we’re entering a period of refinement in which the concerns and desires of average citizens are percolating up to the statehouse and becoming enshrined in our state regulations.

This phase will take flower—again, a coincidental term—in July 2017, when Washington Senate Bill 5131 (essentially an amendment to the original 2012 bill) goes into effect. Broadly supported both by the burgeoning cannabis industry and by ordinary citizens, here are the main provisions of the revision:

The Newest Washington Marijuana Laws Taking Effect July 2017

Sharing is Now Caring

Previously, “sharing the wealth”—even in our decriminalized environment—was illegal. The original 2012 law that legalized recreational marijuana forbade the sharing of any cannabis products whatsoever.

Now, anyone of age (21 years or older) can “deliver” to another adult up to one-half ounce of flower, eight ounces of infused solid edible, 36 ounces of infused liquid, or three and one-half grams of concentrates, as long as no money changes hands. That said if you want to hand off in public, be sure to keep your consumables in their original packaging.

Home-Grown Fun?

Currently, Washington residents are not permitted to grow cannabis for their own recreational use. Now, the state liquor and cannabis board is required to conduct a study of options for “the legalization of marijuana plant possession and cultivation by recreational marijuana users” and report on their findings by December 1, 2017.

The Future Is Organic

From our perspective as purveyors of high-quality cannabis, one of the most exciting developments is the move—the first in the nation—towards the same organic-grade certification and standards that apply to food.

Though cannabis producers and retailers would still be forbidden to use the word “organic” to describe their products, the new bill proposes a system of standards that attempts to match “to the extent practicable” the federal Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program. This includes certification for producers and processors, inspections, testing, and enforcement.

And concerned canna-citizens take note: The process includes opportunities for public comment. Anyone wishing to participate as part of an advisory board should contact the WSDA Organic Program at organic@agr.wa.gov for consideration.

What do you think of the new provisions taking effect?