The Oregon Senate voted Wednesday to advance a measure that would allow cities and counties to more-than-triple their marijuana tax, from three percent to as high as 10 percent.
Supporters, including Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, said the extra revenue is needed to help pay for the cost of regulating businesses that sell cannabis.
“We’ve heard from testimony (that) cities and counties are feeling the impact of this burgeoning industry," she said. "And this measure would help to offset some of that cost.”
Under Senate Bill 864, local voters would have to approve any increase to a city or county’s marijuana tax under the bill.
The Senate approved the measure 23-to-6. It now heads to the Oregon House.