TheJoint.me Featured in Portland Press Herald ‘Sin Taxes’ Article

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Are weed smokers to thank for an elevated state budget?

The Portland Press Herald visited TheJoint.me as part of its recent story on Maine’s “sin taxes.” Along with featuring a great shot of our superstar budtender, Isaiah, assisting a customer, the article provided an interesting glimpse into what these taxes – including the state’s 10% marijuana tax – are actually funding in the state.

Now that cannabis and sports betting have been legalized here in Maine, the state’s related taxes – along with taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and gambling – are contributing to an increase in the state’s “sin tax” revenue, funding everything from initiatives for public safety, mental health, storm response, homelessness, and more.

Maine’s cannabis customers, including our customers at TheJoint.me, are also supporting health and safety measures surrounding cannabis use via the state’s marijuana tax.

“Although we wish we didn’t have to pass along any additional costs to our customers, you can also see Maine’s marijuana tax as an investment in our community,” said Michael Gemma, general manager of TheJoint.me.

“It’s not only important to us that we provide the cleanest cannabis products to our customers and educate them about the healing benefits of cannabis, but it’s also great to know that TheJoint.me directly supports programs that help our community and the state at large.”

Here are some other HIGH-ly interesting points from The Press Herald article:

Maine has seen a 25% increase in revenue from sin taxes over the past five years.

Between 2021 and 2023, tax revenue generated from adult-use cannabis sales in the state of Maine totaled to $43.7 million dollars.
Between 2019 and 2023, revenue and proceeds from Maine’s “sin taxes” overall increased from $281 million to $353 million.

Maine’s 10% tax on cannabis is lower than in Massachusetts (10.75%) and much lower than in states like Colorado and California, which tax cannabis sales at 15%.

The Joint | Portland, Maine