Nevada Legislature: Bill would strengthen medical marijuana tax law

Nevada taxation officials say they need to strengthen tax laws surrounding the state’s medical marijuana program.

The Assembly Taxation Committee held a hearing Tuesday on Assembly Bill 70, which clarifies and expands tax laws that affect the state’s newly created medical marijuana program.

Taxation department head Deonne Contine said the bill was necessary to clean up language in existing state law that doesn’t match department methods. Lawmakers approved a 2 percent tax on medical marijuana sales last session.

Because the bill proposal makes changes to the state’s tax structure, it requires a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the Nevada Legislature.

Lawmakers approved a program for the sale and growth of medical marijuana in 2013 after the state voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2000.