LANSING, Mich. — This week, Michigan regulators announced they are considering new marijuana taxes.  

A 3% excise tax and a 1.5% business to business tax are on the table.  

“As an industry organization our members are telling us unequivocally that they do not want more taxes and they cannot sustain more taxes,” says Anquinette Sarfoh with the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association.

The money raised would be used to help minorities gain ownership within the industry.

“It would help level the playing field and bring not only more minorities into business ownership within the marijuana industry but it will bring more local, home grown entrepreneurs in the system and they deserve a chance,” says Kent County Commissioner Robert S. Womack.

But business owners believe the proposed taxes will drive customers to the black market.

“Legalization was ushered in to divert people away from the black market, adding taxes pushes people back into the black market,” says Sarfoh.

►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.