In August, licensed marijuana stores in Washington State sold over $100 million worth of marijuana as well as a variety of marijuana products such as concentrates, edibles, tinctures and topicals.
According to data released by the research firm Headset, marijuana sales in in Washington topped $100 million for the fourth straight month, with $104.6 million sold. This is on par with the $103 million sold in July, and the $103.8 million sold a year prior in August 2023,
The yearly total for marijuana sales is now around $810 million, resulting in approximately $300 million worth of tax revenue. In 2023 there was $1.25 billion in marijuana sales resulting in over $400 million in taxes.
The average price per gram of dried marijuana in August was $7.11, a small decrease from the average in July.
Washington legalized marijuana in November 2012, making it one of the first states, along with Colorado, to do so. The law permits 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 liquid products. A 37% excise tax, the highest in the nation, is imposed on marijuana at the point of sale.
Most of Washington’s marijuana tax revenue is allocated to health care, with about a third directed to the state’s general fund. Approximately 8% is distributed among local governments, education and prevention programs, and the administration of the state’s legal marijuana program.
Earlier this year, Governor Jay Inslee signed a law that exempts qualifying patients and designated providers with a recognition card from the 37% cannabis excise tax on purchases of cannabis products labeled as Department of Health (DOH)-compliant and tested according to DOH rules.
