Tax Regulators in Alaska are considering cutting the $50 an ounce tax on marijuana bud or “flower” to $25 for “immature flower” that appears “loose” or “wispy.” Earlier post is at https://newrevenue.org/2018/08/02/tax-cut-for-wispy-buds-in-alaska/.
That seems like a nearly impossible line to draw — a huge judgment call. But how about putting the decisions on the internet? Each low-taxed item would be photographed and uploaded. The public could judge if government is overreaching, or yielding to taxpayer pressure.
Here’s another fallback: Are wispy buds less appealing to smokers, and so destined for concentration?
If so, it seems to me that Alaska could tax them by THC content – separating them out for taxation until after concentration and measurement of THC.
I don’t think THC measurement is ready for taxation, but you could do what we in the RAND-Vermont report suggested: Take the seller’s word for it. Consumers tend to want product labeled as high-THC, so the seller who cheats (by finding a cooperative tester who give a low number) risks losing customers.
The Center for New Revenue 