Woody and Bill Spark Up at Their Hollywood Lounge to Chat About Why Taxes Are Way Too High

The legendary Woody Harrelson and political satirist Bill Maher recently sparked a major conversation about the financial hurdles facing the legal herb industry. Recording a podcast at their own West Hollywood lounge, The Woods, the duo didn't hold back on their frustrations with California's current tax landscape. Their main point? The cost of doing business legally has become nearly unsustainable for many, even for high-profile owners.

For the everyday enthusiast, this might seem like industry "inside baseball," but it actually hits close to home. When dispensaries are hit with a massive 35 percent tax rate—which Harrelson pointed out is significantly higher than taxes on alcohol or firearms—those costs eventually trickle down to the consumer. High taxes make it harder for your favorite local shop to keep prices competitive against the unregulated market, and they limit the ability of small businesses to grow and innovate.

The pair also touched on the persistent headache of banking. Because of federal restrictions, many cannabis businesses have historically been forced to operate in cash, making them easy targets for theft. In fact, their own shop was recently part of a string of burglaries. While things are slowly improving as more banks open their doors to the green scene, federal law still hasn't provided a full fix.

So, why does this matter to you? Supporting reform isn't just about helping business owners; it’s about ensuring a safe, diverse, and accessible market for everyone. When we advocate for fairer taxes and better banking, we’re rooting for the survival of the craft cultivators and community-focused lounges we love.

Practical Tip: To help support the local scene, consider checking out licensed consumption lounges like The Woods. These spots provide a safe, legal environment to enjoy your favorite strains while directly supporting the movement for normalized cannabis culture. Keeping your business within the regulated market helps prove that a fair, legal system is the best path forward for everyone.