A bill introduced today in the Washington House of Representatives would impose a significantly higher tax on marijuana products with elevated THC levels.
Marijuana concentrate.
Filed by State Representative Lauren Davis (D), HB 2075 would increase the cannabis excise tax on useable marijuana and concentrates that exceed 35% THC from the current 37% to 50%. Products with THC levels at or below that threshold—including cannabis-infused products—would remain taxed at the existing 37% rate. The measure was referred to the House Finance Committee following its introduction.
The bill is aimed at discouraging consumption of high-potency marijuana, which has become increasingly popular in Washington’s legal market. Lawmakers pushing for higher taxes on such products argue they pose greater public health risks, particularly for adolescents and individuals with mental health conditions.
Medical marijuana patients with a recognition card would continue to be exempt from the excise tax, so long as they purchase from a medically endorsed dispensary and buy products tested and labeled in accordance with the state’s Department of Health rules.
Under the bill, retailers would be required to clearly itemize the excise tax on receipts and include it in all price listings and advertisements. Revenue generated from the higher tax would continue to be deposited into the state’s dedicated cannabis account.
Although the bill does not yet have any cosponsors, its referral to the Finance Committee marks the first step in what could be a contentious debate over how to regulate and tax high-potency marijuana in the state.
