EXCISE TAX FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS / HB 1453 UPDate
On March 14, 2024, the Washington state legislature passed HB 1453, granting an exemption to the 37% cannabis excise tax on compliant products for qualifying patients. This law goes into effect on June 6, 2024, and will remain in effect through June 30, 2029.
This is a major change to our cannabis system and long overdue for medical marijuana patients. As a store with deep roots in the medical cannabis field, A Greener Today is here to help you navigate these changes. Below are answers to common questions you may have.
Frequently asked questions
Can any cannabis retailer offer the excise tax exemption?
No. Only medically endorsed retailers can offer the exemption. A Greener Today has six medically endorsed locations to serve you in Bothell, Shoreline, Seattle, Lynnwood, Gold Bar, and Walla Walla.
Can anyone get the exemption if they are using the product for medical purposes?
No. Only patients and designated providers who are in the state database and have valid medical marijuana recognition cards are eligible.
What makes a product medically compliant?
According to the Department of Health, for a product to be medically compliant, it must have gone through testing for prohibited pesticides, heavy metals, and mycotoxins.
How do you know which cannabis products qualify for the exemption?
Compliant products under WAC 246-70-040 qualify for the exemption and are marked with a Chapter 246-70 WA Compliant General Use sticker seen below.
What are examples of brands that will carry compliant products?
This list is continually growing. Currently, the following brands will have compliant products: Fairwinds, Phat Panda, Dank Czar, Wyld, Omega, Green Revolution, Marmas & Hi-Burst from Northwest Cannabis Solutions, Skagit Organics, Skord, and Falcanna.
Interested in learning more about medical marijuana recognition cards? Check out our informational page here.
The Department of Health is another great resource for your medical cannabis questions.