Medical marijuana taxes focus of revenue outreach

Confusion over the taxability of medical marijuana is leading the Washington State Department of Revenue (Revenue) to start an education effort early in the new year.

Revenue is mailing letters to several hundred businesses and organizations that provide medical marijuana, “medibles,” and related products, explaining that taxes apply to their transactions. Letter recipients include dispensaries, collectives, cooperatives, nonprofits and businesses that should be – but are not – registered with Revenue or paying taxes.

The letters were mailed Friday, January 3, 2014. Businesses should comply by...