California generated $261.7 million in marijuana tax revenue during the second quarter of 2026, according to new data released today by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). This is nearly identical to the $261.8 million made during Q2 2025.
The total for Q2 2026 includes $152 million in cannabis excise taxes and $109.7 million in sales taxes collected from marijuana retailers. The figures are based on returns received through August 18 and do not include outstanding returns or those still being processed, meaning the total could increase.
Revenue was nearly identical to the second quarter of 2025, when the state collected approximately $261.8 million in marijuana taxes.
CDTFA also revised its first-quarter 2026 total upward to $249.8 million, including $144.7 million in excise taxes and $105.1 million in sales taxes. The agency said revisions reflect amended and late returns and other adjustments.
Since recreational marijuana sales began in January 2018, California has now generated nearly $8.4 billion in marijuana tax revenue. That includes almost $4.5 billion in excise taxes, nearly $3.4 billion in sales taxes and $500.6 million from the cultivation tax that was eliminated in July 2022.
Revenue from the cannabis excise tax helps fund programs including child care and early childhood development, medical research, youth substance-use prevention and environmental restoration.
California launched legal recreational marijuana sales in January 2018.
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