Multi-State Cannabis Tax Comparison
Compare cannabis tax rates, excise taxes, and licensing costs across legal states. Select 2-3 states to see a side-by-side breakdown.
Select States to Compare
Choose 2-3 states. Clicking a 4th state removes the oldest selection.
| California | Colorado | Washington | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excise Tax | 15% excise | 15% excise | 37% excise |
| Sales Tax | Varies local (0-15%) | 2.9% state + local | 6.5% state + local |
| License Cost Range | $1,000 - $5,000 | $2,500 - $14,000 | $1,381 |
| Notes | Local taxes vary widely by city/county. Some jurisdictions add up to 15% local tax. | Mature market with declining excise rates. Local taxes can add 3-10%. | One of the highest excise rates in the country. Flat license fee structure. |
California
Local taxes vary widely by city/county. Some jurisdictions add up to 15% local tax.
Colorado
Mature market with declining excise rates. Local taxes can add 3-10%.
Washington
One of the highest excise rates in the country. Flat license fee structure.
Sample Calculation: $100 Product
Total tax burden on a $100 retail product in each state (using base state rates, excluding local additions).
California
Colorado
Washington
License Cost Comparison
Tax rates shown are base state-level rates and may not include all local surcharges. Cannabis tax structures change frequently - verify current rates with your state regulatory agency or a qualified CPA. License cost ranges reflect the spectrum across different license types (cultivation, manufacturing, dispensary, etc.).
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