Olympia, WA: Legislation (HB 1453) signed into law by Democrat Gov. Jay Inslee provides a tax break for patients who purchase certain cannabis products.
Under the new law, patients registered in the state’s voluntary medical cannabis access program are exempt from the state’s 37 percent excise tax when they purchase designated products. The exemption only applies to products designated ‘DOH (Department of Health) compliant.’ DOH-compliant products have undergone more rigorous safety testing than is typically required under state law.
The new law sunsets on June 30, 2029.
Most states minimize patients’ tax burdens when purchasing medical cannabis products.
Washington legalized medical marijuana access in 1998. State voters approved an initiative legalizing the adult-use marijuana market in 2012.
Additional information on pending legislation is available from NORML’s Take Action Center.