Southwest Washington pot shops remain optimistic about sales

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — Owners of marijuana dispensaries in southwest Washington are waiting to see the long-term impact that Oregon's legalization of recreational marijuana sales has on business.

The Columbian reports Oregonians ages 21 and older have been allowed to purchase recreational marijuana since the new law took effect Oct. 1. Oregon's recreational pot is tax-free until Jan. 4, while Washington's marijuana is taxed at 37 percent.

The owner of Main Street Marijuana in Vancouver says he's not worried about competition from Oregon's new law, despite taking a 10 percent hit in sales last week.

Jim Mullen, co-owner of The Herbery, also in Vancouver, says southwest Washington still draws in customers with products such as edibles that aren't being sold in Oregon.

Marijuana sales in Washington have totaled about $260 million this year.