New Bedford City Council pushes for maximum 2% local sale tax on marijuana sales

The Committee on Finance on February 13, voted in favor of work with the Mitchell Administration on the adoption of the maximum 2% local sale tax option upon the sale or transfer of marijuana or marijuana products by a marijuana retailer operating within the City of New Bedford.

In 2017, Governor Baker signed legislation that provides an excise tax of 10.75% for state tax on marijuana sales at 17%. Municipalities are allowed to tax marijuana sales up to 3%. This motion appears to push for the lower 2% option.

Here is the motion that will be in front of the City Council on Thursday, February 22, 2018:

7. REPORT, Committee on Finance, recommending to the City Council to refer to the Committee on Licensing and Zoning for Cannabis a WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Lopes, requesting, that the Committee on Finance work with the Mitchell Administration on the adoption of the maximum 2% local sale tax option upon the sale or transfer of marijuana or marijuana products by a marijuana retailer operating within the City of New Bedford if Ballot Question 4 is passed.

7a. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Lopes, requesting, that the Committee on Finance work with the Mitchell Administration on the adoption of the maximum 2% local sale tax option upon the sale or transfer of marijuana or marijuana products by a marijuana retailer operating within the City of New Bedford if Ballot Question 4 is passed. (Referred to the Committee on Finance and Mayor Mitchell 09/22/2016.)