In November, licensed marijuana stores in Washington State generated $100.41 million in sales, which included a range of marijuana products such as concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
Washington first legalized marijuana in November 2012, becoming one of the initial states, along with Colorado, to approve adult-use sales. The law allows individuals aged 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, seven grams of concentrates, and up to 72 ounces of marijuana-infused liquids. A 37% excise tax, the highest in the nation, is applied at the point of sale.
Most of the state’s marijuana tax revenue is allocated to health care, with about one-third going to the general fund. Additional funds support local governments, education and prevention programs, and the administration of Washington’s marijuana regulations.
Earlier this year, Governor Jay Inslee enacted a law providing an exemption from the 37% excise tax for qualifying patients and designated providers with a recognition card. These individuals can purchase Department of Health-compliant marijuana products tested under DOH standards without the added tax.