NEWS: Medical Marijuana Tax Opposed in Los Angeles

by Chelsea Hoffman

Measure M, a medical marijuana tax, will be decided upon by voters Tuesday. This measure will add a 5 percent tax increase on legal medical cannabis dispensaries. It may not seem like a big deal since activists are for the taxation and legalization of the plant, but there is a stipulation to this measure.

Los Angeles plans on limiting the availability of dispensaries to only 100, but the kicker to this is the ones that get to stay aren't chosen by any rhyme or reason. They will be chosen by lottery. This is outraging dispensary owners and activists throughout the city, some who have served patients of medical marijuana for years.

Dispensaries in Los Angeles, who already run as non-profit, already pay a slew of taxes, and many feel that this 5 percent increase along with the lottery is only going to make it more difficult for dispensaries to maintain. This could limit the availability of medical marijuana to patients who are in need.

Source: Gather Inc.