Bills would allow state to share marijuana tax money with cities, counties -- but only if they allow pot shops

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington legalized marijuana more than two years ago, but in much of the state, there's still no place to get the sanctioned stuff: More than 100 cities and counties have banned pot businesses, posing a big hurdle as officials try to undermine the black market.

Lawmakers think they have at least a partial solution: paying the locals to let licensed weed come to town.

Under bills introduced in both houses in Olympia, the state would share a chunk of its marijuana tax revenue with cities and counties — but only if they allow approved marijuana businesses to operate in their jurisdictions.

Kevin Bommer, deputy director of the Colorado Municipal League, says that approach has worked to some degree in that state, even though many cities there also ban pot businesses.