Lawmakers to consider taxes on medical marijuana

BILLINGS – Montana lawmakers will be asked to consider placing a tax on the sale of medical marijuana.

Gov. Steve Bullock has proposed a 6 percent consumption tax as part of his budget. Spokesman Tim Crow says the tax would bring in about $2.6 million over two years.

Democratic Rep. Bradley Hamlett of Great Falls would like to add to the governor’s proposal a 21 percent tax to help pay for drug addiction programs and another 3 percent to subsidize the cost of medical marijuana for low-income patients.

Hamlett tells The Billings Gazette that he’s putting forth the bill to spur a debate about what amount, if any, the tax should be.

The Montana Cannabis Industry Association says it’s open to discussing a potential tax.