The Michigan House of Representatives has forwarded a trio of medical marijuana bills to the state Senate, including one that would legalize dispensaries.
Michigan medical cannabis businesses have long operated in legal limbo, with some lucky enough to have friendly local governments that welcome them, while others have been raided and shut down by law enforcement.
One of the bills the Michigan House approved would stabilize the climate by setting up a statewide regulatory system for dispensaries, according to MLive.com.
Under the proposal, dispensaries would pay a 3% tax on gross retail income, and customers would pay a 6% sales tax for purchases. Dispensaries would also have to obtain licenses and pay related fees to apply for and retain such permits.
The other two bills would establish a seed-to-sale tracking system and provide legal protections for registered patients.
Still, the bills face an “uncertain future” in the Senate, MLive.com reported, partially because a key Republican senator thinks the tax rates are too low.
The bills come in advance of an expected campaign to legalize adult-use cannabis in Michigan next year. Two groups are already working to that end: MI Legalize and the Michigan Cannabis Coalition.
These bills still give an advantage to big business. Not to small medical growers.
I agree John.
Also, if you think about it, from a medical standpoint, we aren’t expected to pay taxes on our pharmaceutical medication; why should we pay it on cannabis?
BINGO Donna! ALL the big pharma meds that I take are not taxed.
Big Pharma and Big Gov hate and loathe natural based competition that actually can medically help people with complex medical issues, and with no deadly side effects or those over-priced and usually toxic and addictive pharmaceuticals.