Might Be Moving To Washington

[UncleBuck]

wife is going on internship for a year so we will end up in ellensburg or possibly bellingham.

i am familiar with bellingham, but i just got back from ellensburg today. the way those small towns are set up, most houses/yards are packed in like sardines and then there is an abrupt change to rural area. there seems to be no middle ground where we could rent a house with a reasonably private backyard for my greenhouse. willing to look at anything from yakima to cle elum if need be, but preferably ellensburg.

also, i hear that all you need for medical in WA is a recommendation from the doctor, no need to register with the state. is this correct?

and if anyone knows about the growing climate in the ellensburg area, i am all ears. it seems like it will be a short but hot season, lots of wind, and a more conservative police force to contend with. bellingham advice is good as well, but i already know what to expect there from friends' word of mouth.

thanks in advance my soon to be neighbors!

 

[WaxxyNuggets]

Can't say much about the outdoor season as I've only setup indoors, but getting a card is just a trip to your doctor for medical records and after your recommendation is issued your done, that's it! Any other Q's about WA let me know, it's an awesome place. 15 women and 24oz dry for patient limits.

 

[ClaytonBigsby]

24oz every 60 days! PER patient, so if your wife also has a card..... 30 plants, 48 oz, every 60 days. I think you will love it in WA, Uncle Buck.

 

[PeyoteReligion]

Outdoor conditions in Ellensburg are no good. It will be VERY short, not really too hot ever. It gets a lot of precipitation as it is in the rain shadow of the cascades, so high humidity. Easter Washington would be the best place on the state. Lots more sun and less humidity. Bellingham outdoor is doeable, I've seen some nice huge bushes that yielded quality buds (for outdoor). Plus Bellingham is just a way cooler town for mmj. I have friend who runs a delivery service dispensers up there. Plus the police force is pretty laid back there, very mmj friendly town.

I LOVE Cle Elum, I go camping just outside of it in Teannaway. Lots of wide open free space to grow, lots of sun. Still only like two and a half hours to Seattle if you wanted to go out their for whatever reason.

And yes, docs just throw scripts around out here. Nobody I know ever had to register, so no compliance check ups if that's what you were wondering.

 

[SevenHourWorkWeek]

DO NOT move to Ellensburg unless you're a country boy used to living in a very small town or you will be miserable! Plus cops/community there are weed Nazis! Trust me, bad move. Bham would be the polar opposite of Ellensburg. Very easy decision you have.

Currently no registration with state, but that will end. They will be establishing a registry here within a year, I can almost guarantee it.

 

[UncleBuck]

thanks everyone for the advice.

peyotereligion, are you sure about ellensburg being wet and humid? they are in the high desert and weather.com tells me they are very low precipitation, hot summers...they are 25 miles east of cle elum just to make sure we are on the same page.

thanks sevenhour for the warning about the cops, but i really have no say in it. where we end up is where we end up. if we end up there, i'll have to be careful about the greenhouse.

and about registering with the state, it has its upsides. it gives you more legal defenses and rights here than a simple doctor's visit does in your folks' case.

 

[SevenHourWorkWeek]

If you do a greenhouse in ellensburg you're nuts. Whatever you do, don't go over your limits because you most likely will get a visit. good luck, you got balls. Why you so into greenhouse weed? electricity is only 8c a kwh bro.

Anyway, Ellensburg is the 4 seasons. It's got weather like Eastern WA. I don't know what that guy was talking about it being wet. I would say it's mostly dry and windy. Snows a few times in the winter. Gets pretty cold. And smells like shit and death because of the huge slaughter houses at the edge of town. I went to college for one year at CWU. Was so happy to transfer after only one year.

Hope you get to end up in b ham. good luck.

 

[silasraven]

Can't say much about the outdoor season as I've only setup indoors, but getting a card is just a trip to your doctor for medical records and after your recommendation is issued your done, that's it! Any other Q's about WA let me know, it's an awesome place. 15 women and 24oz dry for patient limits.

do you have to get a primary first? or can you go straight to the doc with your records?

 

[SevenHourWorkWeek]

If you have a qualifying condition already at another doc then you get your records and take them to the mmj doc. You have to have medical records stating you have a qualifying condition.

 

[silasraven]

amputee with rods in the back, above the knee amputee that is. i dont go whining ot my docs that it hurts when the meds dont work. seems pointless but its been months since i seen the guy for the pain.

 

[Stonerman Enoch]

Anybody know anything about the northeast area that would be we i'm heading to.

 

[mountaingarden]

Having lived in both Ellensburg and Bellingham, both have lots to recommend them, and their distinct cons. It's true, Ellensburg is a small country town (cattle based economy) town with fenced backyards that transitions into rural quickly. I lived on 40 acres in the Teanaway (perhaps 15 minutes from town). It would be warm and sunny enough to grow, but the wind could be very problematic, either for greenhouses or unprotected plants. You'd have to have sturdy mesh cages anchored with re-bar that you could wrap with vis queen...(first idea). It would be tough. Hoop houses would shred in a couple weeks where I used to live, but man....it was beautiful! And the people I met were solid. Many are still friends 25 years later.

Town would be easier to grow, weather wise. Find a cool neighborhood, or a larger lot and build a hoop house. (Make friends with Dick & Jane if they're still kickin'...) With all due respect to DoubleJJ's awesome greenhouse grows, a hoop house would be more aerodynamic in an area where 2nd growth Douglas Fir grow at a 30 degree angle. Seriously, the spring winds are crazy making. Every bit as much as the Santa Anas. imo, more. But it's rugged beauty, and if you are into horses, great place. Also at the northern boundary of an up and coming international wine country. Great fun to do a wine tour, especially with a designated driver. (DUIs up here are harsh...$15,000 is a safe budget number...don't do it).

Bellingham is not nearly as wet as the rep, but it does rain. Quite a bit. And the sunny days are amazing. Great town, close to Vancouver and Seattle. WWU politics fluxuate with outgoing/incoming presidents, as I see it from afar. Lots of gardening options. City appears to be in transition with dispensaries, but politics should win out on the light side. Outdoors, a greenhouse is nearly mandatory. First legal grow this year would have been major success with the addition of an umbrella in late Sept/early October.

I grew up in E.WA and prefer that climate, but there's more choices of work, play, and gardening on the West side for me these days. I've been here nearly 20 years...who knew...planned on 5...this place does have a magnet effect. The thing that always surprises me is how much it actually snows. (2 feet at my house in this last one) The rep of moss and rain is overstated. It also gets plenty sunny and warm in the summer. Rocking good outdoor things to do a very short drive away. Boating, fishing, crabbing, skiing, hiking, mushrooming, unlimited choices. (Ellensburg doesn't have nearly the variety, but if you enjoy what it offers, it's world class.)

Since it hinges on which program chooses your wife, or vice versa, when you know, PM me and I'll point you towards some options in either place. all best, mg

 

[mountaingarden]

Outdoor conditions in Ellensburg are no good. It will be VERY short, not really too hot ever. It gets a lot of precipitation as it is in the rain shadow of the cascades, so high humidity. Easter Washington would be the best place on the state. Lots more sun and less humidity. Bellingham outdoor is doeable, I've seen some nice huge bushes that yielded quality buds (for outdoor). Plus Bellingham is just a way cooler town for mmj. I have friend who runs a delivery service dispensers up there. Plus the police force is pretty laid back there, very mmj friendly town.

I LOVE Cle Elum, I go camping just outside of it in Teannaway. Lots of wide open free space to grow, lots of sun. Still only like two and a half hours to Seattle if you wanted to go out their for whatever reason.

And yes, docs just throw scripts around out here. Nobody I know ever had to register, so no compliance check ups if that's what you were wondering.

I think you're confusing Ellensburg with someplace else, like Concrete on the west side of the North Casascades Highway or North Bend, on the opposite side of Snoqualmie pass from E'berg, or Monroe on the west side of Stevens Pass. (Can't see how people live there....)

Ellensburg is high, dry desert! So dry and sunny they grow world class timothy and alfalfa hay that is exported all over the world.

 

[UncleBuck]

Having lived in both Ellensburg and Bellingham, both have lots to recommend them, and their distinct cons. It's true, Ellensburg is a small country town (cattle based economy) town with fenced backyards that transitions into rural quickly. I lived on 40 acres in the Teanaway (perhaps 15 minutes from town). It would be warm and sunny enough to grow, but the wind could be very problematic, either for greenhouses or unprotected plants. You'd have to have sturdy mesh cages anchored with re-bar that you could wrap with vis queen...(first idea). It would be tough. Hoop houses would shred in a couple weeks where I used to live, but man....it was beautiful! And the people I met were solid. Many are still friends 25 years later.

Town would be easier to grow, weather wise. Find a cool neighborhood, or a larger lot and build a hoop house. (Make friends with Dick & Jane if they're still kickin'...) With all due respect to DoubleJJ's awesome greenhouse grows, a hoop house would be more aerodynamic in an area where 2nd growth Douglas Fir grow at a 30 degree angle. Seriously, the spring winds are crazy making. Every bit as much as the Santa Anas. imo, more. But it's rugged beauty, and if you are into horses, great place. Also at the northern boundary of an up and coming international wine country. Great fun to do a wine tour, especially with a designated driver. (DUIs up here are harsh...$15,000 is a safe budget number...don't do it).

Bellingham is not nearly as wet as the rep, but it does rain. Quite a bit. And the sunny days are amazing. Great town, close to Vancouver and Seattle. WWU politics fluxuate with outgoing/incoming presidents, as I see it from afar. Lots of gardening options. City appears to be in transition with dispensaries, but politics should win out on the light side. Outdoors, a greenhouse is nearly mandatory. First legal grow this year would have been major success with the addition of an umbrella in late Sept/early October.

I grew up in E.WA and prefer that climate, but there's more choices of work, play, and gardening on the West side for me these days. I've been here nearly 20 years...who knew...planned on 5...this place does have a magnet effect. The thing that always surprises me is how much it actually snows. (2 feet at my house in this last one) The rep of moss and rain is overstated. It also gets plenty sunny and warm in the summer. Rocking good outdoor things to do a very short drive away. Boating, fishing, crabbing, skiing, hiking, mushrooming, unlimited choices. (Ellensburg doesn't have nearly the variety, but if you enjoy what it offers, it's world class.)

Since it hinges on which program chooses your wife, or vice versa, when you know, PM me and I'll point you towards some options in either place. all best, mg

i sent some rep your way for the solid advice.

the radio station near ellensburg was called "the wind", so i was thinking of good ideas for a strong greenhouse the whole time

frankly, bellingham scares me more despite the more lax law enforcement officers because of the possibility of mold late in the season. i am just outside the portland area and lost about 40% of my crop (4 pounds) in the span of a couple days this year to mold.

there is also a remote possibility we end up in stockton, ca (my preferred choice due to the housing market having collapsed there) but the program there is more competitive and not likely she'll get in.

in any case, thanks again for the good advice and if we ever cross paths, i will have to share a little of my crop in gratitude!

 

[mountaingarden]

i sent some rep your way for the solid advice.

the radio station near ellensburg was called "the wind", so i was thinking of good ideas for a strong greenhouse the whole time

frankly, bellingham scares me more despite the more lax law enforcement officers because of the possibility of mold late in the season. i am just outside the portland area and lost about 40% of my crop (4 pounds) in the span of a couple days this year to mold.

there is also a remote possibility we end up in stockton, ca (my preferred choice due to the housing market having collapsed there) but the program there is more competitive and not likely she'll get in.

in any case, thanks again for the good advice and if we ever cross paths, i will have to share a little of my crop in gratitude!

Gotta have at least a hoop house on the West side for sure, but anything near PDX is no different than Bellingham!. Sad to see 40% loss. Think I was close, so already assembling pieces and parts for a prototype greenhouse.

Truly do like the idea of 6x6 welded wire mesh cages in Ellensburg. I need to ask my friends who have been there since the 60's and grew/grow. I was intensely in school at the time., but in hindsight, suspect most grows were guerrilla up canyons.

Either school is great, and either location is pretty wonderful. Politically...there's a little bubble around CWU that buffers it from a lot of the red-neck craziness. The E'burg wind was tedious...but it's only horrible for a couple months!

B'ham would be closer to what you're used to, however.

Thanks for the rep!

 

[silasraven]

^^^alright town talk is cool but what about medically. just got back from my doc he wont update my record. i told him my pain is getting worse and i wanted it in my file for my "wheelchair" and he still told me that my condition is enough to get what is needed for my chair. but i looked into the record they gave me and there isnt shit in there about me being an amputee nor having pain in the back knees and hips. just leg pain and rods in the back. is that even enough to go off of for a script?

 

[UncleBuck]

Gotta have at least a hoop house on the West side for sure, but anything near PDX is no different than Bellingham!. Sad to see 40% loss. Think I was close, so already assembling pieces and parts for a prototype greenhouse.

Truly do like the idea of 6x6 welded wire mesh cages in Ellensburg. I need to ask my friends who have been there since the 60's and grew/grow. I was intensely in school at the time., but in hindsight, suspect most grows were guerrilla up canyons.

Either school is great, and either location is pretty wonderful. Politically...there's a little bubble around CWU that buffers it from a lot of the red-neck craziness. The E'burg wind was tedious...but it's only horrible for a couple months!

B'ham would be closer to what you're used to, however.

Thanks for the rep!

those cages get almost as pricey as a hoop house! i looked into them last year for support for my greenhouse plants and went with an improvised, much cheaper solution instead.

when i was driving out of town i looked around and thought "how easy and fun would it be to guerilla grow out there!"

 

[UncleBuck]

^^^alright town talk is cool but what about medically. just got back from my doc he wont update my record. i told him my pain is getting worse and i wanted it in my file for my "wheelchair" and he still told me that my condition is enough to get what is needed for my chair. but i looked into the record they gave me and there isnt shit in there about me being an amputee nor having pain in the back knees and hips. just leg pain and rods in the back. is that even enough to go off of for a script?

i would call the THCF in washington, they will tell you what type of documentation you need to bring them.

i suspect you will have no problems obtaining a card. if not, there are lots of sliding scale clinics for people that can prove lack of ability to pay where you can get documented before seeing the MMJ doc.

best of luck!

 

[hazorazo]

I just saw this, Uncle Buck! I must say, Washington is lucky to be getting an experienced and compassionate grower! Not to mention one hell of an intellectual. Hope we still see you on the Oregon forums now and again! Good luck up there, man!

 

[mountaingarden]

those cages get almost as pricey as a hoop house! i looked into them last year for support for my greenhouse plants and went with an improvised, much cheaper solution instead.

when i was driving out of town i looked around and thought "how easy and fun would it be to guerilla grow out there!"

That was just an off the cuff suggestion, flashing back to my years in E'burg and thinking about the WIND in the spring. In construction 6x6 wwm and rebar are always pesky surplus on every job (you want to have a little more than you need) and I always think in terms of recycling them. Really like growing straight under the sun in E.WA, and that's seriously the only way I could think of to keep the plants from snapping off. #4 bar at least 4 feet into the ground, maybe 5-6 sticks (10'), then wrap the mesh around and tie it off with tie wire. In the spring, you could wrap visqueen around them and tie it with baling twine to shelter young plants from the winds. You could grow monster trees there, but you'd need to dial in wind mitigation. I'll give one of the old timers a call and ask how he grew the fine herb that saw me through amending my undergrad. Nearly positive it was guerrilla grow up one of the box canyons. In those days, black helicopters were well funded, so steep and narrow was for more than wind.

Even if you had to buy the materials, trust me, they last forever, and a PVC hoophouse will dessicate in W.WA fairly quickly. My dad was also a contractor, and the same 6x6 wwm mesh tomato cages he made for my mom 50 years ago are still in use at the family home. (E. WA, of course....would have been long gone on the Wet Side). By contrast, pvc even uv rated is about a 5 year deal in E.WA and forever (but slimy) in W.WA.

Two very different climates!

Thanks for the smiles, just remembering those days. Very herb friendly campus in both the 60's and 80's. I'm a professional student. (Also pack paper from WWU. )