Excise Tax

Cannabis excise taxes are structured differently across jurisdictions. Some states apply a percentage-based tax on the retail price (ranging from 10% to 37% depending on the state). Others use weight-based taxes (a fixed dollar amount per ounce of flower or per milligram of THC). Some combine both approaches. Total tax burden (excise plus state and local sales tax) can reach 30% to 45% or more in some markets. Medical cannabis is often taxed at lower rates or exempted entirely from excise taxes.

High cannabis excise taxes are one of the most significant factors determining whether the legal market can compete with the illicit market on price. When total taxes push legal cannabis prices 30% to 50% above illegal prices, consumers have a financial incentive to avoid dispensaries. Several states, including California and Oregon, have reduced cannabis tax rates after recognizing that excessive taxation was hindering the legal market's ability to compete. Finding the right tax level, one that generates revenue without driving consumers to the illicit market, remains an ongoing balancing act for policymakers.