Cannabis users in Nevada pay a 10% excise tax and a 6.85% sales tax. If the user is a patient and the product is for medical purposes, then the excise tax is waived as long as the patient has their card.
However, you should know a ton of other information about cannabis in Nevada as a business owner and a consumer. Marijuana was legalized in 2017, so local and state governments know exactly where they’re doing by now.
It’s essential to play it straight. Keep reading for everything you need to know about recreational marijuana purchasing and use in the great state of Nevada.
Cannabis Taxes and the State of Nevada
Nevada has become a major hub for legal cannabis sales over the past few years, and with that comes the need to pay taxes on this commodity. Cannabis taxes in Nevada include an excise tax and an additional sales tax.Â
For consumers, these taxes can make cannabis more expensive, but they also bring in revenue to help further develop the developing marijuana industry. It’s also important to note that most other states with legalized cannabis have even higher taxes than those found in Nevada.Â
Understanding how much tax one pays when they purchase cannabis is an integral part of staying compliant with state law.
You Will Pay Excise Taxes
An excise tax is a tax that is added to a specific good or service. You’ve probably seen this quite a bit with tobacco and alcohol. The cost to make them hasn’t changed much and the equipment is much more efficient. The price rise is usually due to increased taxes on the products.
The excise tax on cannabis products in Nevada was set at 10% when the state legalized marijuana. The tax is applied to all transactions related to recreational marijuana sales, including cultivation, production, and distribution.
Everyone Pays Sales Tax Too
Nevada also collects a standard 6.85% sales tax on cannabis purchases. The purchase price of marijuana includes the state sales tax plus any local taxes imposed by the city your business is located.
Cannabis Business Fees
Owning a marijuana business in Nevada isn’t cheap. It’s broken down into four categories:
- Medical
- Retail
- Cultivation
- Testing
Each one of these businesses pays an application fee, a licensing fee, and an annual renewal fee. All of these fees are expensive, costing several thousands of dollars.Â
On top of that, there are several prerequisites in place for forming the business. You can’t have distribution convictions, need $250,000 in liquid assets, and your business must meet specific location requirements, just to name a few.
Is There a Cultivation Tax for Harvesters?
Yes. The current cultivation tax is a 15% wholesale fee.
A cultivation tax is an excise or ad valorem tax imposed on agricultural production. It is usually assessed either by the size of a particular harvest or as a flat fee for every acre harvested; this type of taxation is essential for supporting local agriculture, enabling farmers to remodel their land and use new technologies to increase yields and create better products.Â
Additionally, the revenue generated from cultivation taxes funds local research initiatives in agriculture, providing farmers with access to cutting-edge research that can help them increase their productivity.Â
All in all, by promoting agricultural innovation and helping to provide necessary resources for research and development, cultivation taxes play an essential role in ensuring the success of small-scale farms.
How Is the Tax Based?
The Nevada marijuana tax is percentage based, as we see from the excise and the sales tax in place.
In addition to taxes imposed by state and local governments, cannabis businesses must also pay federal income and payroll taxes. This is a reality for any company in the United States, not just cannabis businesses.
Suppose you want to start a business in this state. In that case, you need to understand all the taxes associated with recreational marijuana in Nevada so you can stay compliant and avoid penalties or fines.Â
As long as you research the laws, pay your taxes on time, and comply with regulations, you won’t have any problems.
Where Does My Money Go?
The acceptance of marijuana as a legal substance for adult consumption has created an exceptional tax revenue opportunity for various states in the United States.Â
These businesses generate taxes that go directly to the state and local governments, which can be used to help build schools, fund mental health and rehabilitation services, and improve infrastructure.Â
Moreover, these taxes are supplemental income sources that can be allocated toward reducing unemployment. In addition to these general benefits, investing in marijuana businesses could help further develop the North American economy while promoting international business relationships.Â
Recreational Marijuana Taxes
The revenue from the Nevada recreational marijuana taxes is mainly used to fund state and local public safety initiatives, such as law enforcement and drug abuse prevention programs. It can also be used for other things, such as education or road improvement projects.
Education
It is also used to fund education initiatives in the state. This includes grants for research and development, scholarships, and public school funding.
Helping Local Homeless
The revenue also funds programs that provide services for the homeless. This includes housing and food assistance, substance abuse treatment, and job training programs.
The Emergency Fund
Some revenue from recreational marijuana taxes is also used to fund the state’s emergency fund. This fund helps cover expenses during natural disasters like floods and fires.
Compliance
The burgeoning marijuana industry is an ever-growing sector of the global economy, and maintaining its success rests on tax compliance among business owners.Â
It is essential for cannabis growers, processors, and retailers to stay up to date with their filing obligations and make tax payments on time to ensure that their businesses remain in good standing. Failure to meet tax compliance requirements can result in undesirable consequences, such as civil or criminal penalties from the IRS.Â
Acting responsibly when it comes to paying taxes is also key to protecting public safety by preventing resources from going toward criminal activities.Â
Keeping up with taxes is a critical part of running any successful business. Still, it is imperative in the marijuana sector, given the extra scrutiny that comes with working in this field.
Know Your Tax Laws
Make sure you understand the taxes imposed on recreational marijuana in Las Vegas and any other local taxes that may apply to your business. It’s important to keep up with changes in the law so you can stay compliant and avoid penalties or fines.
Make Sure to Have Detailed Records
Maintaining detailed records of all the taxes you’ve paid is essential for maintaining compliance. Keep track of any payments made and when and why they were made.
Have an Order of Operations
Have a process for calculating taxes that is easy to follow and understand. This will help you stay organized and avoid mistakes when it comes time to pay your taxes.
Transparency is Paramount
Including a breakdown of taxes on all sales receipts will help customers understand where their money is going and help ensure that your business remains compliant with local tax laws.
By understanding the taxes imposed on recreational marijuana in Las Vegas and following best practices, you can ensure that your business remains compliant and successful.
FAQ
Is the retail excise tax imposed on the original price or discounted price?
The retail excise tax is imposed on the product’s original price before any discounts are applied.
Is the retail sales tax imposed upon the original price or the price plus the retail excise tax?
The retail sales tax is imposed on the product’s price plus any applicable retail excise taxes.
Are there any other fines or penalties associated with the cannabis industry?
Yes, other fines or penalties may be associated with the cannabis industry depending on local laws and regulations. It’s essential to research any applicable laws in your area before operating a cannabis business.
By understanding the taxes imposed on recreational marijuana in Las Vegas and following best practices, you can ensure that your business remains compliant and successful. Staying informed and current on local tax laws is essential for successfully operating a cannabis business in Nevada.
Where can I find information regarding cannabis licensing and Cannabis Agent Cards?
For information regarding cannabis licenses, visit the Nevada Department of Taxation site to learn more about Cannabis Agent Cards.
How much tax is on marijuana in NY?
New York imposes a 13% tax on marijuana products. This tax applies to retail sales and transfers of cannabis products in the state, including medical and recreational use.Â
Additionally, local municipalities may also impose taxes on cannabis sales. It is important to research any additional taxes that may apply in your area before making purchases or engaging in business activities related to marijuana.
How much can you buy from a dispensary at a time Las Vegas?
The amount of cannabis that a customer can purchase from a dispensary in Las Vegas is limited to a maximum of one ounce per transaction.Â
Additionally, customers may only visit a dispensary with valid identification and proof of their date of birth. Check with your local dispensary for any additional restrictions or regulations that may apply.
Where does Nevada marijuana tax go?
The revenue generated from Nevada marijuana taxes is used to cover the costs of cannabis regulation, enforcement, and education. Additionally, a portion of this money is allocated to local municipalities where dispensaries are located and reinvested in public safety initiatives. Â
The remaining funds are deposited into the state’s general fund. For additional information on how marijuana taxes are allocated and used in Nevada, please visit the Nevada Department of Taxation’s website.
How much do dispensaries pay in taxes?
Dispensaries in Las Vegas are subject to the same taxes as all other businesses. These include a sales tax of 6.85% and a retail excise tax of 10%.Â
Dispensaries must also pay license fees based on their yearly gross revenue.Â
Are there any tax exemptions for medical marijuana in Nevada?
Yes, medical marijuana patients in Nevada are exempt from certain taxes. They may also be eligible for other applicable state or local exemptions. Research any applicable laws in your area before purchasing medical marijuana products.
Is there a limit to how much cannabis can be purchased at one time in Las Vegas?
Yes, customers are limited to purchasing a maximum of one ounce of cannabis per transaction in Las Vegas. Additionally, customers must be 21 years or older and have valid identification with proof of their date of birth to purchase cannabis products.Â
Check with your local dispensary for any additional restrictions or regulations that may apply before making a purchase.