HB 2075 & the 50% Excise Tax: What a New High-THC Tax Means for You
By Jeff Eckenrode
Image credit: Elsa Olofsson
Quick Answer: A new 50% excise tax on high-THC cannabis products could significantly reshape Washington’s legal cannabis market — from pricing and product mix to public-health outcomes and illicit market pressures. Scrutiny and active engagement will be crucial as HB 2075 moves through the legislature to avoid price increases for cannabis customers and a disproportionately negative impact lower-income users.
HB 2075, a new proposal in the Washington State legislature, would impose a hefty 50% excise tax on all cannabis concentrates, usable cannabis, and infused products with THC levels above 35%.
That’s a major change from current taxation norms in Washington.
So what does the bill propose? Who will it affect if it becomes law? And why does it matter for both cannabis shops and users alike?
Image credit: Jon Tyson
What HB 2075 Proposes: The 50% Excise Tax
The tax applies to high-THC products — including concentrates, edibles, infused products, or any product exceeding 35% THC.
If passed, HB2075 would raise retail prices significantly for those products.
What does that mean for businesses? Higher operating costs, possible changes in inventory or product mix, and an increased pressure to pass costs to customers.
Image credit: Christopher Ott
Who Loses — And Who Might Win?
A wide variety of people would be impacted by HB 2075 if it becomes law:
Consumers — especially regular users of concentrates or high-THC edibles — may see sharp price increases.
Casual or entry-level users might shift toward lower-THC flower or avoid expensive products altogether.
Black-market dynamics could shift: steep price increases in the legal market might push some consumers back to unregulated sources.
Licensed dispensaries — could see a drop in high-margin product sales; shops might pivot to lower-THC products or diversify offerings.
Image credit: Allef Vinicius
Why the Tax Matters for Public Health, Regulation, and Equity
There’s a number of rationales from different groups surrounding the development and passage of HB 2075, namely Public health advocates.
Some proponents argue it discourages overconsumption of high-THC products.
However, there are likely to be unintended consequences with the passage of HB 2075.
if high taxes drive users toward illicit markets, regulators lose oversight — undercutting public-health goals.
On top of that, HB 2075 would likely lead to higher prices for consumers. That would disproportionately impact lower-income users while leaving illicit sellers unaffected.
Image credit: Cova Software
What People Should Consider
There’s a lot for businesses and consumers to consider if HB 2075 becomes law.
Retailers: Evaluate whether to absorb some of the tax burden, shift product strategy, or communicate pricing changes to customers.
Consumers: Budget for increased prices, consider lower-THC alternatives, and advocate for fairness.
Advocates and regulators: Weigh public health benefits against possible harms from driving demand underground.
Image credit: Christin Hume
How you can get involved
First, it’s important you know your rights and the proposed changes. You can read HB 2075 in its current form by following this link.
Second, contact your state representative if you care about affordability, access, or market fairness.
Lastly, share this post with others in the cannabis community — the more people know about it the greater the chance their voices will be heard.
Image credit: Cannabis Observer
Where Can I Learn More About Cannabis Legislation?
Whether you’re at home in Redmond or exploring online resources, we’re here to help and inform.
That's why Hashtag Redmond is a proud sponsor of Washington’s most accessible cannabis legislation advocate: the Cannabis Observer.
The Cannabis Observer is a non-profit organization that works to dismantle the prohibition of cannabis by creating outstanding reporting about cannabis policymaking in Washington state.
Want to learn more? Visit their website at: https://cannabis.observer/
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