In the month of April, the state of Oregon witnessed record breaking marijuana sales of $89 million.
According to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, marijuana sales were up 45% in April, compared to last year. This made April 2020 the largest month on record for the state.
Oregon’s annual tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales now surpass $100 million. The state collects 17% tax on retail cannabis sales, while counties or cities can apply a 3% tax.
According to marijuana proponents, the coronavirus pandemic could be the catalyst for other states and the federal government to legalize marijuana because it would bring tax revenue and create jobs.
“There’s a reason why over 25 states have declared marijuana dispensaries to be essential services. These are things people rely on,” explained Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore.
“Up until March there were almost a quarter-million people who worked in the industry,” said Blumenauer.
The last COVID-19 relief bill recently passed the U.S. House and if passed by the Senate, would give marijuana related businesses access to banks.
“Really this is a basic question of fairness,” said Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.
“It is an important public safety issue because I don’t think we should require these businesses in effect to be cash only,” said Wyden.
