Proposed local amendment would raise medical cannabis tax 15% in Cullman County

CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — A proposed local amendment would raise medical cannabis prices in Cullman County by 15%.

Currently, those lawfully sold products are taxed at 18%. If the amendment is passed, it will mean medical cannabis users will pay a 33% tax.

“I could see it being beneficial,” remarked Cullman County resident Melanie Roberts.

Roberts said she is still undecided how she’s going to vote on the proposed tax increase. In the amendment, 33% of the revenue from the increase would go towards mental health issues in Cullman County.

“With a background in psychology and mental health myself, that’s what I studied, I could see it being beneficial, especially in Cullman County,” said Roberts.

The other 67% percent will go to the district attorneys’ office for personnel services. A representative of the district attorney tells me funding will help to overcome the backlog of cases Cullman County has.

“15% for patients and people who are already struggling to make ends meet and need this medicine, it’s pretty hefty,” commented Joey Robertson, the President of Wagontrail Medserve.

Currently the state tax for medical cannabis products is set at 18%, Robertson thinks that is enough.

“My issue with this particular tax is it is going after a medicine. The medicine is going to be providing so much relief, to so many patients, in Cullman County and so many surrounding counties,” added Robertson.

The proposed local amendment will be voted on during the November 5 general election.

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