We’ve previously pointed to news coverage of how Colorado and Washington State’s legalization of marijuana is a magnet for entrepreneurs and scam-artists, alike. We were curious, however, to learn more about how the introduction of a highly-visible new product and category of retailing and agriculture can present opportunities and challenges for small business owners and farmers in a region.

In researching the topic, we discovered that Seattle public radio station KPLU has been doing an outstanding job of covering both these topics. Below, are just a few of the stories they’ve produced over the past year that track the business and agricultural changes related to legalizing the sale of marijuana in Washington State. (Click on the headline to read the original story or listen to the story via the soundcloud embed.):

Washington State To Issue About 20 Pot Retail Licenses Monday

Where Does A Strait-Laced Farmer Get Pot-Growing Expertise?

Legal State Pot Stores Opening Soon, But Production Lags

Bellingham Store First To Open, Sell Legal Pot In Wash., Seattle Store Follows