Washington, District of Columbia Cannabis Tax Rate
6.5% totalAdministering agencies: DC Office of Tax and Revenue · Updated for 2026
A legal cannabis purchase in Washington is taxed at a combined effective rate of about 6.5% — all of it from District of Columbia's state-level taxes, since Washington does not add a local cannabis tax. Washington is the primary District of Columbia market we track for cannabis taxes. On a typical $100.00 dispensary purchase that works out to roughly $6.50 in tax, or about $106.50 out the door.
How Much Is Cannabis Tax in Washington?
Use these worked examples to see what Washington's 6.5% combined cannabis tax adds to a dispensary purchase. Figures apply the District of Columbia state excise, 6.5% state sales tax to the pre-tax price.
| Pre-tax price | Total tax | Washington city tax | You pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50.00 | $3.25 | $0.00 | $53.25 |
| $100.00 | $6.50 | $0.00 | $106.50 |
| $200.00 | $13.00 | $0.00 | $213.00 |
Estimates treat all taxes as applied to the retail price; actual receipts vary by product, potency tax (where applicable), and exact local sales rate. Model a specific basket with the Washington tax calculator.
Washington Cannabis Tax Breakdown
| Tax | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia Cannabis Excise | 0% | No state excise |
| District of Columbia State Sales Tax | 6.5% | Applies to medical and adult-use sales |
| Typical Local Sales Tax | 0% | County / district average |
| Washington Cannabis Business Tax | 0% | No city cannabis tax levied |
| Combined Effective Rate | 6.5% | What you actually pay at retail |
Official source: DC Office of Tax and Revenue ↗ · rates compiled 2026-08-11 · city rates set by local ordinance.
How Medical Cannabis Is Taxed in Washington
Medical cannabis sales are taxed at the general sales tax rate (6.5%) — DC does not exempt medical purchases outside its annual 4/20-week tax holiday.
Why Is Cannabis Taxed This Much in Washington?
Cannabis in Washington carries layers of tax that ordinary retail goods never see. District of Columbia adds its 0% cannabis excise on top of ordinary sales tax. Because Washington does not add a local cannabis tax, shoppers here pay only the District of Columbia state-level taxes — which keeps Washington on the lower-cost end of the District of Columbia market.
DC allows home grow and gifting under Initiative 71 but has no commercial adult-use retail market. Medical cannabis sales are taxed at the general sales tax rate — 6.5% since October 2025, scheduled to rise to 7% in October 2026 — with an annual 4/20-week sales-tax holiday. Congressional appropriations rider continues to block a commercial recreational program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cannabis tax rate in Washington, District of Columbia?
How much tax will I pay on a $100 cannabis purchase in Washington?
How much is the cannabis business tax in Washington?
Are medical cannabis patients exempt from Washington's tax?
Where can I buy cannabis in Washington?
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