When Oregon first allowed recreational marijuana, it imposed a relatively modest tax of 17% and gave communities the option of adding an additional 3% for a total 20% tax. The stated purpose of the tax being set at that level was to encourage the legal market. The state of Washington taxes marijuana at 37%.

Inflation has hit every aspect of our lives except for marijuana, which has continued to become cheaper. It is time for our Legislature to tax marijuana at a level of at least 37% and for the state to direct every cent of the increase to schools.

In Oregon last year we had approximately $925 million in marijuana sales and the state collected about $133 million in marijuana taxes. If we taxed marijuana at the same level as Washington, we would collect approximately $209 million more in revenue that could be used to fund Oregon schools. Sadly $209 million dollars isn’t enough to fix all of the looming education budget shortfalls, but it would provide significant help to communities across the state.

Clayton M. Tullos
Eugene