Local officials who extend moratoriums on legal marijuana processing and sales strengthen the black market and endanger law enforcement. Over 93,000 Clark County voters helped pass Initiative I-502 in 2012, and the state has approved various licenses for Clark County. Impeding those licenses not only invites lawsuits, but also forfeits tax revenue, much from out of state. Rather than encouraging new business revenues, they choose needless legal expense.
Washington history buffs may recall that Initiative 61 ended alcohol prohibition in 1932. This worked because of strong regulation, fair taxation and a crackdown on illegal producers. When Washington approved a state lottery in the early 1980s, Vancouver’s Day-N-Nite market at Sixth and Washington was one of the highest-grossing outlets in the state. Why? Because of Portland. With their proximity to the border, Vancouver and Clark County are well-positioned to garner millions in new revenues. Rather than facilitate this, though, our “leaders” forgo that to strengthen the black market.
It is shortsighted to abandon marijuana taxes, frustrate the will of the people and invite lawsuits. May leaders at every level see this, to move firmly forward toward legal, responsible, regulated and profitable local marijuana production and sales.
Rory Bowman
VANCOUVER
