Maryland collected more than $72 million from the sales tax on recreational cannabis in 2024, according to state Comptroller Brooke Lierman. However, some individuals in the cannabis industry believe that this revenue fell short of their expectations.
The state imposes a 9% sales tax on retail sales of adult-use recreational cannabis and related products. It’s important to note that purchases of medical marijuana are exempt from this tax. Lierman reported that the sales tax revenue from cannabis sales was comparable to that from alcoholic beverages, which also have a 9% tax rate.
From October to December 2024, the sales tax generated $17.6 million for cannabis sales. The first quarter of 2024 brought in $14.7 million, while the second quarter saw an increase to $22.4 million. The third quarter contributed $18.3 million, reflecting a steady flow of revenue from the cannabis market throughout the year.
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