An Ohio State University study found no clear correlation between high marijuana tax rates and lower usage, challenging a New York Times editorial board claim. Researchers warned that excessive taxation may drive consumers to the illicit market rather than deterring use.

High Taxes Don’t Stop Tokers, They Just Push Us Back to the Plug, Study Finds

Mar 18, 2026

Source:

Kyle Jaeger

Marijuana Moment

A recent study from Ohio State University is debunking the idea that sky-high cannabis taxes actually stop people from lighting up. While the New York Times editorial board recently pushed for heavy federal and state taxes to curb "excessive use," researchers found no real link between tax rates and how much people consume. For instance, Washington State has some of the highest taxes but also some of the highest usage rates, while New Jersey has low taxes and low usage.

This is a major win for common sense in the cannabis community. The study warns that over-taxing legal weed doesn't stop tokers; it just sends them back to the illicit market for cheaper, untested products. For regular users, this matters because it highlights that fair pricing is essential for a safe, regulated industry. Instead of trying to tax us out of our habits, policymakers should focus on market maturity and accessibility. Keeping taxes reasonable ensures the legal market stays competitive, keeping us away from the "trap" and ensuring our flower is clean and legal.