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Oakland First City in Nation to Pass Pot Tax

Voters back levy on medical marijuana that could raise $1M

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 22, 2009 7:17 AM CDT

(Newser) – In a landslide, Oakland voters yesterday made their city the nation's first to levy a special tax on medical marijuana, the Los Angeles Times reports. By an 80% margin, voters backed a tax of $18 on every $1,000 in pot sales, a move that may catch on in other cities. Currently, Oakland businesses pay $1.20 on every $1,000 in sales.

A city councilwoman says the move could bring in $1 million in revenue, though the city administrator puts the figure at $300,000. "Oakland will show that this can work if it's done right," says a seller. "There will be some cash-strapped areas that will use this to balance their budgets."

A binder showcasing high-grade marijuana buds and other cannabis are displayed at the Coffeeshop Blue Sky dispensary, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
A binder showcasing high-grade marijuana buds and other cannabis are displayed at the Coffeeshop Blue Sky dispensary, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.   (AP Photo/Dino Vournas)
Marijuana-infused baked goods are displayed at the Coffeeshop Blue Sky dispensary, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Marijuana-infused baked goods are displayed at the Coffeeshop Blue Sky dispensary, Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.   (AP Photo/Dino Vournas)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
diltsduo
Aug 7, 2009 12:20 PM CDT
Dam right bout time! Cali is $26Billion in debt, with the fall of our economy they need to do something.
Mad
Jul 22, 2009 11:03 AM CDT
No tax on food (that is not ready-to-eat) in Cali or NY
diltsduo
Jul 22, 2009 5:46 AM CDT
Wisconsin has no tax on food.

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