Tucson Mayoral Candidate Proposed a 300% Medical Marijuana Sales Tax

One of Tucson’s mayoral candidates in this year’s primary elections is Steve Farley, a former state representative and senator, who, in 2011, attempted to impose a 300% sales tax on medical marijuana via bill HB2557.

If the bill had passed, the 300% tax would’ve meant that a “$2 joint would cost $8,” Tucson Weekly reported. Currently, patients purchasing medical marijuana in Tucson pay an 8.7% tax (state and city).

“As the referenced Tucson Weekly article of 2011 points out, my bill was an attempt to start a discussion around remedying the woefully underfunded public health system in Arizona for behavioral and physical health and addiction treatment,” Steve Farley told AZmarijuana.com. “I listened to my constituents at the time and consequently withdrew support for my own bill a week later. For the past 8 years, and into the future, I oppose additional taxes on MMJ.”

Contact Steve Farley to learn more about his intentions as Tucson’s mayor.