Small Washington town opening city-owned marijuana shop

NORTH BONNEVILLE, Wash. (AP) — Known for some of the best windsurfing conditions in the country, the small Columbia River Gorge town of North Bonneville, Washington, is embarking on a new enterprise — a city-owned marijuana shop.

The Columbian newspaper of Vancouver reports that the rural city of about 1,000 people plans to open The Cannabis Corner this weekend.

Washington state Liquor Control Board spokesman Brian Smith says no other city in Washington has even attempted to open a pot shop.

Most Washington cities have spent the past two years since state voters legalized recreational marijuana either banning such businesses or reviewing applications for new private stores.

The store is set to open Saturday, with dozens of strains.

City officials like Mayor Don Stevens hope the store will be an inviting destination for tourists — and a boon to the city's budget.