States Challenged To Optimize Cannabis Tax Revenues

Some reinventing the cannabis tax-reform wheel as they go along

By Bob Moss, Principal, National Director of Governmental Affairs & Eddie Delgado, CMI, Cohn Reznick

For the states with cannabis initiatives on the ballot this fall, there is a fine line between passing legislation and being prepared to implement the new law. With time and more states considering legalizing recreational use of marijuana, state-and-local taxation of this industry will be a hot topic for a long time.

Government officials on the state level may learn from the missteps of other states who have already legalized cannabis, but have struggled to temper state-and-local tax (SALT) rates for this burgeoning industry.

Like any new player entering a marketplace, the cannabis industry has a learning curve to contend with, and its share of uncertainties. For example, the cannabis SALT rates in Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, while initially large, were reduced to curtail growth of local black-markets. Unfortunately, there are no metrics available to clearly see if reduced cannabis SALT rates have made a dent in black-market sales.

Now, as we head into the mid-term election cycle, recreational marijuana is on the ballot in several states. Eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized the use of marijuana, and have realized the ability to generate tax revenue. The states that have legalized marijuana thought that new tax revenue from cannabis would be plentiful. It has been that way to a certain extent. Again, with high marijuana tax rates remaining in some states, those taxes may be aiding and abetting the growth of black-markets.

The Trials and Tribulations of Sin Taxes

Going back to the early days of our nation, the United States first taxed distilled spirits starting in 1791; a move by the 2^nd United States Congress under the Washington administration. There were no political parties in this U.S. Congress, which ratified the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. There was spirited debate over passing what is known as the Excise Whiskey Tax, a very unpopular tax. How unpopular? The "Whiskey Rebellion" led by grain farmers in the southern United States and Pennsylvania led to the U.S. government dispatching 13,000 militia, which put an end to that tax revolt.

One can argue that sin taxes, or the decline thereof, led to the creation of the Federal Income Tax System during Prohibition, but that is another story.

Our country's legacy on sin taxes is really part of the story of the many battles and wars we fought to fight for freedom. After the Civil War, the United States implemented a national cigarette tax to raise revenue to assist with the cost of the war. In recent years, U.S. states themselves have fought budgetary battles as federal support has diminished.

With declining revenues from other sin taxes like tobacco, legalized marijuana revenues my not turn out to be "found money" in a few years, but rather another stable source of funding the existing tax base. After all, we have had 227 years to study the revenue effects of taxing whiskey or alcohol in the United States. It's highly doubtful we will see a "Marijuana Rebellion" any time soon.

One of the biggest issues still facing the industry about taxation remains: cannabis is federally illegal. If more states join in legalizing cannabis, that may lead to federal law changes – but that's a conversation for another day. Even with this uncertainty, states are certainly going to consider legalizing marijuana, tempted by potential tax dollars and the growth of the industry. With that will be a separate set of SALT laws subject to interpretation. For those in the cannabis industry, it's wise to get yourself a good "interpreter" who has a firm grasp of tax-compliance issues.

Any advice contained in this communication, including attachments and enclosures, is not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues. Nor is it sufficient to avoid tax-related penalties. This has been prepared for information purposes and general guidance only and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and CohnReznick LLP, its members, employees and agents accept no liability, and disclaim all responsibility, for the consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.

For more information on Cannabis Tax, please click here.

The post States Challenged to Optimize Cannabis Tax Revenues appeared first on New Frontier.