A New Change in New York AU Cannabis Taxes
New York cannabis customers deserve clarity, affordability, and access to the relief they rely on. Recently, updated New York cannabis regulations changed how taxes are calculated at checkout.
Here’s the biggest update:
Taxes are now applied to the total price before discounts are taken off for Adult Use cannabis products in the state of New York. That means even if you qualify for a promotion or savings at checkout, the tax is still calculated using the full pre-discount price, which can make your final total higher than expected.
We understand how frustrating that can feel, especially for people who depend on cannabis as part of their everyday medicine and wellness routines.
Why This Matters
Many people shop strategically, using discounts and promotions to stay within budget. Under this updated tax structure, your discount still applies, but the tax portion may not decrease the way you expect.
In other words, your savings may not reduce your taxable amount.
This change impacts real people, and we believe patients deserve a voice in how cannabis regulations are shaped moving forward.
How to Become a Medical Cannabis Patient in New York
If you are not already a medical cannabis patient, getting certified is an easy process. Becoming a medical patient will reduce the cost of cannabis, as there is no tax on medical cannabis products. Here’s the FLUENT path:
Step 1: See if medical cannabis may be right for you
You may be eligible for medical cannabis for a condition deemed clinically appropriate by your health care provider. The best first step is having a conversation with your physician about whether medical cannabis may help support your needs.
Step 2: Speak with your physician
If medical cannabis is appropriate for your condition, your treating provider can issue a certification.
Step 3: Complete your recommendation
Patients seeking access to medical cannabis should begin with their health care provider. If your provider does not already certify patients but would like to, they can find additional information through the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) here.
Note: Patients under 18 or those unable to consent may require a designated caregiver. The caregiver may need to bring the patient certification and government-issued ID to the dispensary.
Step 4: Shop medical cannabis products
Once certified, patients can purchase approved medical cannabis products through registered organizations. Availability may include forms such as vape products, capsules/tablets, tinctures, oral sprays, lozenges, whole flower, and more.
For more information on how to get your medical card in New York, click here to visit our page.
Want to Speak Up? Here’s How to Contact the OCM
If you’re concerned about how Adult Use cannabis taxes are being applied, you have every right to ask questions and share feedback with the state agency that oversees cannabis regulations.
Contact the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)
Call: 1-888-OCM-5151 (1-888-626-5151)
Email: info@ocm.ny.gov.
When reaching out, you can ask for clarification on the policy and express how the updated tax calculation impacts you as a customer.
A simple message can go a long way. If you want a theme to lead with, you can respectfully emphasize the idea of: “People deserve fair pricing and transparent taxation.”
Contact Your Local New York Representatives
If you want to advocate for real change in the medical program, you can also contact the elected officials who vote on cannabis legislation.
A helpful tool for finding your local representatives is the nonpartisan Common Cause lookup.
You can call, email, or attend public meetings to share your concerns and encourage patient first policies.
We’re Here for All Customers
At FLUENT, we believe all cannabis should be accessible, consistent, and high-quality. We’ll continue educating our community, staying up to date with New York regulations, and supporting our customers however we can.
If you have questions about medical cannabis certification or shopping as an Adult Use customer, our team is always here to help guide you.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Regulations may change. For the most up-to-date guidance, contact the New York Office of Cannabis Management.
