WA Lawmakers Pass Senate House Bill 1453, Granting Excise Tax Exemption for Medical Cannabis Patients
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Industry Association The Cannabis Alliance Applauds Washington Lawmakers for Passing Senate House Bill 1453, Granting Excise Tax Exemption for Medical Cannabis Patients
Seattle, March 1, 2024 – The Cannabis Alliance, the leading advocate organization for the cannabis industry in Washington state, commends state lawmakers for their progressive approach toward supporting the well-being of medical cannabis patients. The recent approval of SHB 1453 marks a significant milestone in acknowledging the medicinal value of cannabis and ensuring that patients have access to affordable medicine.
SHB 1453, sponsored by State Representatives Wylie, Chapman, and Kloba, received overwhelming support from both chambers of the Washington State Legislature. The legislation introduces a vital excise tax exemption for medical cannabis patients, recognizing the unique medical needs of individuals who rely on cannabis as a part of their treatment plan.
Washington State medical cannabis patients currently pay a 37% excise tax, which is significantly higher than any other adult-use state by more than 10%
Key provisions of SHB 1453 include:
Tax Exemption: The bill provides an excise tax exemption for medical cannabis patients on the state registry, acknowledging the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for various medical conditions. This exemption aims to reduce the financial burden on patients who depend on cannabis as a vital component of their healthcare.
Patient-Centric Approach: SHB 1453 underscores the importance of a patient-centric approach to cannabis policy. By granting tax relief to medical cannabis patients, Washington State demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing the well-being of individuals who rely on cannabis for relief from chronic pain, debilitating conditions, and other medical challenges.
Accessible Medicine: SHB 1453 incentivizes the production of Medical Grade Cannabis, which is held to a more stringent regulatory protocol. The tax exemption is a crucial step in promoting affordability and ensuring that patients do not face unnecessary financial barriers to medicine.
The Cannabis Alliance is grateful to all the legislators who supported and championed SHB 1453. This landmark legislation reflects a broader recognition of the evolving role of cannabis in healthcare and the importance of creating policies that are inclusive, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of patients.
As the cannabis industry continues to mature, The Cannabis Alliance remains dedicated to advocating for policies that promote the responsible and sensible growth of the industry, prioritize patient access, and contribute to the overall well-being of our communities.
Caitlein Ryan, Executive Director of The Cannabis Alliance says “Adult-use cannabis only exists because of the decades before when patients were forced into legally gray areas to access medicine that was often the only option to treat their illness. The fortitude and advocacy of patients in need paved the way for our adult-use market here in Washington and across the country. It is a big step forward that even as the federal government is also officially recognizing the medical use of cannabis the legislature here agrees that we should not tax medicine at 37%.”
About The Cannabis Alliance: Based in Seattle, Washington, The Cannabis Alliance is a membership-based non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of a vital, ethical, equitable, and sustainable cannabis industry.
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