Proposed changes to Washington’s cannabis tax structure are drawing concern from Clark County retailers who fear that higher costs could drive customers either across the Columbia River into Oregon or toward illicit markets. According to reporting by The Columbian, two new bills under consideration in Olympia would restructure cannabis sales taxes statewide, prompting uncertainty among local shop owners about how the revisions might affect their businesses and surrounding communities.

Clark County dispensaries operate just miles from the Oregon state line, a dynamic already familiar to many Cowlitz County residents who regularly cross between Longview, Kelso, and Rainier for goods and services. Retailers in Clark County warn that if Washington raises the effective cost of legal cannabis, Oregon’s lower prices could draw consumers away from local shops, reducing tax revenue and weakening the regulated marketplace. The Columbian’s reporting highlights these regional competitive pressures, noting that some retailers worry higher state taxes would make it harder for them to retain customers.

Local officials and law enforcement have long emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable, regulated cannabis market to help limit illicit activity. Retailers quoted by The Columbian echoed those concerns, cautioning that an abrupt tax increase could unintentionally bolster the black market if legal products become too expensive for some consumers. For border communities in Southwest Washington, including Cowlitz County, the interplay between neighboring states’ tax policies remains a recurring issue, affecting not only cannabis but a range of cross-border economic activities.

At this stage, both proposed state bills remain under legislative review, and no final decisions have been made. Clark County retailers and regional stakeholders will be watching closely as lawmakers weigh fiscal goals against potential ripple effects for businesses, consumers, and public safety across Southwest Washington.

Sources:
• The Columbian: Clark County cannabis shops wary of tax shift