Why Is California Weed So Expensive? Blame the Taxes, Man 🌿💸

If you’ve ever walked into a California dispensary, browsed the flower, and had a mini heart attack at checkout… you’re not alone. California cannabis taxes are way too high — and they just got even worse.

As of July 1st, 2025, the state increased the cannabis excise tax to a whopping 19%. That’s nearly one-fifth of your total going straight to Sacramento — before you even add sales tax and local city taxes on top.

Let’s break down what’s going on — and why shopping legal still matters, especially when you shop at ASHE Society.

California’s Tax Stack: It’s Getting Out of Hand

When California legalized adult-use cannabis in 2016, we all hoped for a fair, thriving legal market. Instead, we got a tower of taxes:

• 19% excise tax (as of July 1, 2025)

• Local cannabis taxes, often 5%–10% depending on the city or county

• Sales tax, another 7%–10%

Put that all together and you’re looking at 35%–45% in total taxes added to your purchase. That $60 eighth? It might cost you closer to $85–$90 out the door.

That $60 eighth? It might cost you closer to $85–$90 out the door.

Why the Price Feels Like a Surprise at Checkout

One reason? Not every dispensary shows pricing the same way.

Some display final “out-the-door” pricing with taxes included — but that can make it hard to see how much you’re actually paying in taxes versus product.

At ASHE Society, we show pre-tax pricing on our shelves and menus. We do this so you know exactly what your weed costs — and how much of that is going to the state, the city, and beyond.

✨ Transparency matters. We’re not trying to hide anything. We just want to keep it real.

So Why Keep Shopping Legal (and Why Shop ASHE)?

We get it — the taxes are rough. But when you shop at ASHE, you’re not just buying cannabis. You’re choosing to:

• ✊ Support a woman-owned, family-owned, social equity licensed business

• 🌱 Buy lab-tested, state-compliant product you can trust

• 🛒 Keep money circulating in your local community

• 💚 Experience real, human connection — not just a transaction

Yes, taxes raise the price, but your dollars go further when you spend them with a brand that reflects your values.

The Legacy Market Is Cheaper… But There’s a Tradeoff

Sure, unlicensed sellers don’t charge tax. But they also don’t follow regulations, test for safety, or operate transparently.

The underground market might save you a few bucks, but it also undermines legal operators trying to build something sustainable — especially the small, independent ones who don’t have corporate backing.

The Squeeze Is Real for Small Biz

For companies like ASHE Society, the tax hike hurts on both sides. Our customers are paying more. We’re absorbing more costs. And we're navigating a system that seems to favor big corporations over the people who built this industry from the ground up.

But we’re still here. Still local. Still growing.
And still welcoming 1,000+ customers a day across our stores.

Looking for the Best Dispensary Near You?

If you're searching for the best dispensary near me, you’re in luck — ASHE Society has locations across Southern California that have your back:

• 🌴 Orange County – Santa Ana

• 🌇 Los Angeles County – Pomona

• 🌄 San Bernardino County – Inland Empire

We’re here to bring you the best weed, honest prices, and zero B.S.

Come through for flower, vapes, edibles, concentrates — or just good vibes. You’ll leave happy, we promise.

TL;DR: The Taxes Are High — But ASHE Is Worth It

The state might be piling on the taxes, but ASHE Society stays true to our mission:

💚 We show pre-tax pricing, so you know exactly what you’re paying
💚 We run promos and daily deals to give you more bang for your buck
💚 We’re proudly local, equity-licensed, and community-first

The tax situation may be broken — but the way you shop can still make a difference.

Support legal. Support local. Support ASHE.