Regulators claim marijuana store in Lacey offered free samples

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington state regulators say a marijuana store in Lacey offered free samples to undercover officers and a place to try the product in an unlicensed portion of the building.

The Olympian reports enforcement officers with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board searched the building containing Dank's Wonder Emporium last month after receiving complaints.

Board spokesman Mikhail Carpenter says the licensee advertised an illegal "try it before you buy it" promotion.

Carpenter says the board has referred a charge of operating a marijuana club to Thurston County prosecutors.

Store owner Random Vaughn says he plans to fight the state violations, which could result in his license being taken away.

Vaughn says the samples were purchased to be consumed in the separate office upstairs for his film production company.