ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Wednesday, a group of around 30 cannabis advocates gathered outside the governor’s office to protest a proposed tax increase on cannabis products in Minnesota. The state’s budget agreement, negotiated by Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders, aims to raise the cannabis tax from 10% to 15%. Leili Fatehi, a leading advocate at the protest, criticized the tax hike, stating it would be implemented before the adult-use cannabis industry even opens.
Fatehi described the proposal as a betrayal of promises made to the industry, emphasizing the need for lawmakers to find alternative solutions to address the state’s budgetary shortfall. The protest reflects ongoing concerns within the cannabis community about the financial burdens placed on an industry that is still developing. The advocates hope that their voices will influence the decision-making process and lead to a reconsideration of the tax increase.
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