Alaska Lawmaker Proposes Marijuana Tax Overhaul

0:00In Anchorage, it's March 2nd. Here's what is happening. A Fairbanks lawmaker is leading the charge to fix Alaska's marijuana tax system. Right now, cultivators pay $50 per ounce of bud, which many say is killing their businesses. Representative Ashley Carrick's bill, House Bill 91, would phase that out starting July 2026, driving it to $12.50. Since per ounce at first, then replacing it entirely with the 6% sales tax paid by buyers, just like on booze and smokes. This push comes as legal pop prices drop to between $180 and $400 per ounce, while black market stuff sells for one. 100 to $150. Alaska already has some of the highest cultivation taxes in the country, putting license growers at a big disadvantage against illegal sellers. Shipping from out of state or diverting regulated product. Industry leaders are calling the current setup an existential threat, warning that without changes, the legal market will keep shrinking.

1:02They point to falling revenue, and more than 69 cultivators, owing over $5.5 million in back taxes by the end of 20. 25. Carrick says every year without action has more pressure on the struggling sector. Meanwhile, Anchorage Senator Matt Klamon has his own bill to simply cut the excise tax to $12 per ounce without adding a sales tax. Both ideas stem from recommendations by Governor Mike Dunlevy's task force from 2022, aiming to stabilize the industry. The overhaul could mean short-term revenue hits, and Carrick's plan would shift some funds from the general budget to K through 12 education. Communities like Anchorage and Fairbanks already tax pot sales locally, so this could streamline things as the debate heats up in Juno. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor. See the episode description. If sleep podcasts are your thing, this is your pillow built for comfort and calm. S-O-L-I-SOLY-PILLOW.com