New York's medicinal cannabis tax targeted for repeal
For medicinal cannabis users like Desiree Little, the drug has been effective at relieving her chronic pain, helping her return to work.
"Without the help of medical marijuana, I would not be able to get through my day," she said. "The pain is under control. I still have my flare ups, but it's not as bad as it was before."
New York lawmakers are considering changes to how cannabis is taxed in New York — both for the state's new recreational marketplace and the nearly decade-only medicinal program.
But in the nearly 10 years since New York created a tightly controlled medicinal cannabis program, there are concerns the 7% excise tax has made access harder for people.
"It just adds more to the costs, especially for the person who is going to require a significant dose to get their pain under control," Little said.
Rochester state Sen. Jeremy Cooney on Wednesday announced a plan to repeal the excise tax on medicinal cannabis as lawmakers negotiate a broader $227 billion budget plan. He wants the measure included in a final budget deal by the end of the month.
https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/ny-state-of-politics/2023/03/08/new-york-s-medicinal-cannabis-tax-targeted-for-repeal
