Marijuana taxes are a two edged sword. On one hand, the tax revenues that the marijuana industry generates (or can generate) are very popular with the public and elected officials. But on the other hand, if taxes are too high, it can really hurt the cannabis consumers that rely on safe access the most. Marijuana can absolutely be taxed too much, and unfortunately that’s exactly how some politicians in California would have it. See the troubling alert that I received below:
Two bills that would impose new taxes on medical marijuana patients advanced out of committee on Friday, and will soon face floor votes — one in the Senate and one in the Assembly. Either bill alone would place a new financial burden on patients. Together, they are a one-two punch that could create a huge, out-of-pocket cost for medicine.
Click here to send a message opposing new taxes on sick people.
SB 987 would add a 15% tax for patients in addition to the sales tax they already pay. AB 2243 layers in additional taxes that businesses would pay. Both types of taxes would come out of the purses and wallets of patients, who often have limited incomes. No insurance company currently helps offset the costs of medical marijuana.
Even worse — neither tax is necessary for the medical marijuana program to operate. The current law ensures that the program can pay for itself.
Please reach out to your legislators and voice your opposition today. Then, forward this message to friends, family, and loved ones so they can also be heard!
Sincerely,
Chris Lindsey
Senior Legislative Analyst
Marijuana Policy Project
