A new proposal in Lansing could change the price of cannabis across Michigan — and not in a good way. Lawmakers are considering an additional 24% wholesale tax on all cannabis sold to dispensaries starting in 2026.
That means before products even reach store shelves, they’d already be hit with a massive markup. Once combined with Michigan’s existing 10% excise tax and 6% sales tax, prices could climb sharply for everyday customers.
Incredibly this totals 40% in taxes per sale, making what would have been a $100 ounce that normally sells for $116 out-the-door with all taxes an astounding $140 total.
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That’s essentially a $24 increase on every $100 sale.
“Raise cannabis prices to fix Michigan’s roads!” is what HB 4951 is proposing with this giant 24% tax increase. Michigan residents feel like they’ve heard this all before: Take money to fix the roads but never actually accomplish the task.
We’ve heard this many times about fixing the roads and it never actually occurs. Even if they did spend it on the roads, would it be enough to fix it? Would it break Michigan’s legal cannabis market? Many have extreme doubts, rightfully so.
Why This Matters
The state says the goal is to raise hundreds of millions for road repairs and public projects. But for Michigan’s cannabis community, from small growers to local dispensaries, because this kind of tax could cause real harm.
A 24% wholesale tax would likely:
Push prices higher for customers.
Put small, local businesses at risk.
Drive more consumers toward unregulated or illicit markets.
The Igloo supports fair taxation and smart regulation, but this plan feels like a cold blow to a Michigan industry that’s already paying its share — and giving thousands of people jobs statewide.
What You Can Do
If you believe Michigan’s cannabis customers and small businesses deserve better, your voice matters. Lawmakers do listen when people reach out.
📞 Contact your state representatives and senators — tell them you oppose the proposed 24% cannabis wholesale tax and support fair reform that strengthens Michigan’s legal market instead of freezing it out.
You can find your local lawmakers here:
🔗 https://www.house.mi.gov/Representatives
🔗 https://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysenator.html
How to Contact Michigan Lawmakers About HB 4951
If you believe Michigan House Bill 4951 should be voted NO, here’s exactly who to contact and how to make your voice heard.
Key Statewide Officials
| Role | Name | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | Gretchen Whitmer | ✉️ Gretchen.Whitmer@michigan.gov 📞 (517) 335-7858 🌐 Contact Form | The governor can veto or sign HB 4951 — make sure she knows your stance. |
| House Bill 4951 Sponsor | Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) | ✉️ SamanthaSteckloff@house.mi.gov 📞 (517) 373-1793 | Politely share your concerns about HB 4951’s impact on Michigan’s cannabis and small-business communities. |
| Speaker of the House | Rep. Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) | ✉️ MattHall@house.mi.gov 📞 (517) 373-1784 🌐 gophouse.org/member/repmatthall/about | Controls which bills are prioritized or blocked in the House. |
| Senate Majority Leader | Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) | ✉️ SenWBrinks@senate.michigan.gov 📞 (517) 373-1801 | Leads the Senate — your voice here can help prevent final passage. |
| Senate Republican Leader | Sen. Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) | 🌐 senatoraricnesbitt.com/contact 📞 (517) 373-0793 | Can rally opposition or negotiate amendments. |
| House & Senate General Offices | — | 📞 (517) 373-0135 (House) 📞 (517) 373-2400 (Senate) | Call these numbers to be transferred to any legislator’s ice. |
Find Your Own Local Lawmakers
To make your message count, you should also contact your personal state senator and representative — they’re the ones who directly represent your vote.
Find Your Michigan State Representative:
👉 https://www.house.mi.gov/#findarepresentativeFind Your Michigan State Senator:
👉 https://senate.michigan.gov/senators/senators
Enter your ZIP code or address, and the site will show you who represents your district along with their phone number and email.
Tips for Writing or Calling
Be respectful, direct, and concise (1–2 paragraphs is plenty).
Include your name, city, and ZIP to confirm you’re a constituent.
Ask for a “NO” vote on HB 4951 and explain briefly why (e.g., “This tax would hurt small businesses and Michigan consumers”).
Request a response — ask how they plan to vote.
Share this post with others to help multiply the impact.
Example Email / Letter Template
This is your moment to make a difference. HB 4951 isn’t just another bill in Lansing; it’s a proposal that could reshape Michigan’s cannabis industry, raise costs for small businesses, and set back years of progress toward fair, responsible access.
Every single message counts. Legislators actually pay attention when real Michigan voters speak up.
We’ve made it easy: copy the example letter below, fill in your own info (name, city, ZIP) where you see the [MACROS], and send it to your Michigan state senator and state representative right now.
Subject: Please Vote NO on HB 4951
Dear [REPRESENTATIVE OR SENATOR LAST NAME],
My name is [YOUR FULL NAME], and I live in [YOUR CITY], Michigan [YOUR ZIP CODE]. I’m writing to urge you to vote NO on House Bill 4951.
This bill would have serious consequences for Michigan's cannabis industry, including small businesses and their staff, and thousands of Michigan consumers. Increasing taxes or fees under HB 4951 will make it harder for local operators to stay competitive, drive customers toward unregulated markets, and ultimately harm Michigan’s economic growth.
Michigan’s cannabis industry has already been a success story for safe access, job creation, and tax revenue. We need policies that support responsible businesses, not measures that make it harder for them to survive.
I respectfully ask that you vote NO on HB 4951 and stand with Michigan small businesses and consumers.
Thank you for your time and your service to our state. Please let me know where you stand on this bill.
Sincerely,
[YOUR FULL NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS]
After you customize yours and replace the [MACROS] with your own information, simply paste your message into an email or call their office directly and read it to them over the phone; even two or three sentences about your own personal experience or opinion can make a difference. When lawmakers start hearing from real Michigan voters, it changes how they approach bills like HB 4951.
Don’t wait for someone else to speak up. Your name. Your city. Your voice. That’s what moves the needle.
➡️ Take two minutes and send your message now to help protect Michigan’s small businesses and legal cannabis industry.
Stand Up for What You Believe In
At The Igloo Cannabis Store, we’ll keep standing up for Michigan’s licensed cannabis community for fair access, better laws, and prices that make sense.
Stay informed, stay involved, and stay cool. ❄️ Want more details? Read the report that we wrote for the Glacier Cannabis News blog regarding the same issue. Find that on the Glacier website here: https://glaciercanna.com/news
Continue following the story via The Igloo website for updates and to learn how you can help protect Michigan’s cannabis future by subscribing to the Igloo Newsletter and the Frosty Friends Rewards Club.
Stay frosty and informed!
Joe “Magic Plants” Montgomery
— The Igloo Cannabis Store Staff
