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ABC 7 brings us this report about how Oakland may try to solve its budget crisis, in part, by becoming the first city in the nation to directly tax marijuana dispensaries. The city would impose a 1.8% levy, which would mean that the four official pot clubs would have to pay $18 for every $1,000 sold -- currently, through standard business taxes, the city collects $1.20 for every $1,000 sold -- and would potentially raise $400,000 for the coming fiscal year. This measure goes onto a special election ballot being voted on this month.
For their part, the recession-proof pot clubs are all for it. Says dispensary owner Richard Lee, "The market for cannabis is so strong that we'll be able to absorb the cost." Now if only SF would do this instead of installing parking meters in Golden Gate Park.
PREVIOUSLY: 2010 Watch: Legalizing Pot; SF Supervisor Proposes Municipal Weed Dispensaries
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I was thinking, "Well, they'll just go over to San Francisco to buy some tax-exempt pot.
Then I remembered we're talking about stoners, who have a hard time getting off the couch to do... anything.
Then again, it sucks if you're actually poor and can't work because of a disability. Course, that would suck anyway.
For their part, the recession-proof pot clubs are all for it.
Smart. Verrry smart.
Now lets see how this puppy runs.
why wouldn't they be - it legitimizes then. after all the greatest refuge of the scoundrel is to hide behind the claim that 'they pay taxes too'.
Not to say they're scoundrels. Just saying is all.
Isn't there a law against taxing medication? There are some people who actually have a legitimate need for the stuff.
All dispensaries in CA are required to collect sales tax, per the Board of Equalization. Cannabis was determined to not be medicine for purposes of sales tax collection.
Taxing and regulating all marijuana sales is what would really bring in the big, budget-saving bucks.