Gov. Inslee signs recreational marijuana reform bill into law



OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee has signed into law a measure that reforms several elements of Washington state's recreational marijuana law.

The bill signed Tuesday eliminates the current three-tier tax structure and replaces it with a single excise tax of 37 percent at the point of sale.

To encourage more cities and counties to allow marijuana businesses, the bill directs the state to share pot revenue only with jurisdictions that do so. It would also allow them to adopt more flexible zoning for where pot grows and stores can be located.

The passage of Initiative 502 in 2012 allowed the sale of marijuana to adults for recreational use at licensed stores, which started opening last year.

Earlier this year, the Legislature passed and Inslee signed into law a measure that regulates the state's medical marijuana system and reconciles the two markets.