MMJ 'TAX' my pet peeve

[Jeppy]

Here in California, I currently pay taxes at 'some' medical dispensaries. At some, I don't pay any taxes. At one dispensary in Sac they charge both a state tax AND a city tax. WTF?? When marijuana becomes legal for both medical and recreational use, I wonder if those obtaining marijuana as a "medication" will still be forced to pay 'taxes'? Isn't this like big contradiction?

 

[Vicki]

Here in California, I currently pay taxes at 'some' medical dispensaries. At some, I don't pay any taxes. At one dispensary in Sac they charge both a state tax AND a city tax. WTF?? When marijuana becomes legal I wonder if those obtaining marijuana as a "medication" will still be forced to pay 'taxes'? Isn't this like big contradiction?

It's certainly not like other prescription drugs which are completely exempt from tax. Only OTC drugs are taxable.

 

[lwien]

Don't forget that the states being able to tax it is one of the prime reasons why they would legalize it.

 

[Jeppy]

Don't forget that the states being able to tax it is one of the prime reasons why they would legalize it.

I know. For 'recreational' use. I'm talking medical use.

 

[lwien]

I know. For 'recreational' use. I'm talking medical use.

That too.

 

[JCat]

Tax deductible in Canada anyways, it's an allowed medical expense (even explicitly stated as being eligible in the tax documentation ... although technically only through Health Canada approved channels)

 

[Jeppy]

Don't forget that the states being able to tax it is one of the prime reasons why they would legalize it.

It is already legal here in CA for 'medical' use. That is not in question.

 

[lwien]

California needs all the monetary help it can get. Cali is on the verge of bankruptcy.

We live in a beautiful state with great weather and legal medical MJ. I was born and raised here and I say............tax the fuck out of it.

 

[Vicki]

tax the fuck out of it.

Problem with that is if it is taxed too much, the people that really need it wouldn't be able to afford it.

 

[Jeppy]

Vicki, trouble is not everyone is a mmj patient. Therefore some have a lack of empathy for those that are in dire need.

 

[lwien]

Problem with that is if it is taxed too much, the people that really need it wouldn't be able to afford it.

I hear ya, but I don't think the current tax on MJ here would put too much of a dent in anyone's pocket. There are certain privileges that we have living here in Cali and I think we should step up and help out, but it's also been my experience that in a few dispensaries that I visited, that if someone was REALLY financially strapped and they really needed it for medical reasons, the dispensary owners would offer up medical MJ free of charge to those patients. I can vouch for that happening in Cornerstone where an elderly lady (about 80), barely making it on SS, and trying to battle cancer and Mike, the owner comped her the meds. When I first went there, he informed me that if I ever found myself short of funds but needing meds, to not hesitate to come in anyway. I know that they're not the only dispensary to do this. There are some real compassionate people in this industry. Just gotta go find them.

 

[Jeppy]

Dude, don't think just because you voice it I agree or disagree. I've done a mentality evaluation and have determined it's best I step back and say,,,,,,, "Ok".

 

[lwien]

Dude, don't think just because you voice it I agree or disagree.

I would never do that.

 

[Jeppy]

This indeed effects more than just CA. It effects all MMJ states and future 'recreational' legalized usage states. Will marijuana still be considered a medication in a MMJ state after it is legalized for recreational use? AND, if so,,,wil the patients of these states continue to pay tax on this 'medication'?

 

[lwien]

Will marijuana still be considered a medication in a MMJ state after it is legalized for recreational use?

I highly doubt it.

 

[t-dub]

I believe the plan Oregon is "forming" utilizes a state run program like our liquor stores. Its my understanding that when "legalized" a medical users card would get them meds at the state's cost so we wouldn't pay retail. Taxing will help the state's coffers but industrial hemp, and all of its related products and advantages, could save this country.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

I don't have a problem with paying taxes on it, as long as they're proportional. State tax? Sure.

And the reason some do and some don't might be because either the cooperative already paid the tax on it and is passing it to you sans-tax, or they didn't and pass it down to the consumer.

 

[Enchantre]

Here in WA, MMJ is subject to sales tax.

I tend to favor collectives (kinda like a dispensary) that actually do collect/remit the sales tax. If they are doing their best to comply with the law, I figure I'm less likely to get caught in a raid (I have a co-worker who has been caught in a couple of raids on collectives), and I consider them to be more honest people.

Now, SHOULD mmj be taxed? I don't think so, but I'm waiting for so many things in life to be "fixed", and this is just one more item. When the Feds finally figure out that MMJ isn't a drug war problem, but is instead something that benefits the life of so many people with harsh challenges in their lives, and get it moved over to the "approved" list, then we'll see the end of taxing it. Until then, I'm just glad I can obtain my meds legally.

 

[hitnrun]

When the Feds finally figure out that MMJ isn't a drug war problem, but is instead something that benefits the life of so many people with harsh challenges in their lives, and get it moved over to the "approved" list, then we'll see the end of taxing it.

My ... we can hope, right? But, I don't think so. A hundred years ago, a "temporary tax" was implemented on U.S. income. However, history seems to indicate that politicians hate to give up their sources, especially when it involves money/revenue.