Hundreds protest proposed marijuana tax hike in Michigan Capitol

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October 01 2025

Overview

•  What: Proposed 24% wholesale cannabis tax

•  Where: Michigan Capitol, Lansing

•  When: Protested October 1, 2025

•  Why: Prevent government shutdown, fund roads

Background

•  2018: Voters legalized recreational cannabis, set 10% retail tax.

•  2025: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and House Speaker Matt Hall propose 24% wholesale tax.

•  Expected revenue: $420 million annually for infrastructure.

•  House passed bill; Senate vote pending.

Protest

•  Hundreds rallied at Capitol.

•  Chants: “Save our jobs.”

•  Signs: “Don’t tax my peace.”

•  Up to 2,000 protesters expected, per Green Stem owner George Lynch.

Industry Impact

•  2024 cannabis sales: $3.2 billion, per Cannabis Regulatory Agency.

•  39,000 jobs in Michigan’s cannabis industry.

•  Opponents: Tax could devastate businesses, reduce state revenue.

•  George Lynch: “They’re going to lose money instead of gaining.”

Perspectives

•  Matt Hall, Republican House Speaker:

•  Reduced tax from 32% to 24%, less than tobacco’s 32%.

•  “We want to have an industry.”

•  Adam Rapp, Kalamazoo dispensary manager:

•  Tax threatens business survival.

•  Customers can’t afford price hikes.

•  Sen. Jon Bumstead, Republican:

•  Plans to vote against tax.

•  “We don’t want to run them out of business.”

•  Sen. Sue Shink, Democrat:

•  Advocates against tax but open to compromise.

Stakes

•  Senate vote critical to avoid shutdown by midnight.

•  Protesters plan to fill Senate gallery.

•  Outcome will shape Michigan’s cannabis industry.