Seeking: Washington needs experts to develop pot industry

OLYMPIA, Wash. – State officials tasked with developing a legal marijuana industry in Washington state have a problem: There's no similar system anywhere in the world that they can look to for guidance.

The state's Liquor Control Board also says it has little insight into how to develop the basics, such as how much acreage the state will need to develop sufficient supply and how retail stores should be regulated. They are looking to solicit bids from experts from around the country while at the same time taking a lot of unsolicited phone calls from those who want help.

State leaders are moving ahead with developing the system even as they await word of whether the federal government will oppose it. Several state agencies have been forming teams that will look at issues such as licensing, legal matters, enforcement and education.