With nearby jurisdictions legalizing recreational cannabis and receiving tax money, Clark County has begun re-examining its policy banning marijuana businesses in unincorporated places such as Hazel Dell and Salmon Creek.
Clark County has prohibited recreational marijuana stores in unincorporated areas since sales were legalized. Meanwhile, recreational marijuana shops have sprung up in Vancouver and Battle Ground, which don’t have similar restrictions, and Oregon voters legalized the drug in 2014.
Council Chair Marc Boldt said that the county is now considering if it’s worth losing out on cannabis tax revenue and if the county might be able to provide more effective regulations by lifting the ban.
On Wednesday, Clark County took a step toward possibly re-evaluating its policies during a work session where councilors heard from law enforcement and county staff, who described the current regulatory framework as well as the effects of Washington voters legalizing cannabis in 2012.
During the session, members of the council expressed varying degrees of reservation about the proposed change.
