“We cannot balance state budgets on the backs of one industry. Excessive taxation drives consumers back to the illicit market and shrinks the legal one.”
By Katherine Dailey, Michigan Advance
Genesee County Sheriff and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Swanson came out strongly in opposition to the 24 percent cannabis tax passed as a part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to pay for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) plan to fund road repairs statewide.
In a video posted to Facebook on Friday evening, Swanson promised that, if elected, he would work to repeal the tax saying that it is “not fair and equitable” to an industry that provides goods and services, as well as jobs, for the state of Michigan.
Swanson’s campaign added in a press release that the tax “undermines both the legal market and the intent of voter-approved legalization,” citing the 2018 ballot initiative vote that legalized cannabis in the state of Michigan.
“As Governor, I will work to roll back the 24 percent wholesale excise tax to ensure fairness and equity,” he continued in the press release. “We cannot balance state budgets on the backs of one industry. Excessive taxation drives consumers back to the illicit market and shrinks the legal one.”
“I’ve never been a fan of solving budgetary problems by targeting one industry, and that’s what’s happened,” Swanson said in the video. “The people spoke. This is an industry that’s here to stay. and anything that tries to disrupt that is gonna be non-negotiable for this administration. And on top of that, we’re gonna keep this from spilling over to the black market, where these can lead into other, more dangerous situations. So we’re just gonna make sure this industry is taken care of.”
The tax passed narrowly through the state Legislature in early October and went into effect at the start of 2026, and has been heavily criticized—and even taken to court—by cannabis industry leaders for what they see as harms to the industry and the small businesses that make it up.
Swanson’s press release also quoted Michigan Cannabis Industry Association Executive Director Robin Schneider as praising his opposition to the tax, especially as a law enforcement officer focused on keeping the industry out of the black market.
“Candidate Chris Swanson came out publicly against the 24 percent wholesale tax,” Schneider said. “It is now our responsibility to create the momentum behind the messaging that he is bold enough to carry for us.”
Swanson also emphasized in the press release that he still intends to fund the types of infrastructure projects that the cannabis tax is currently set to fund.
“This is about doing what’s right for Michigan. Even by rolling back this tax, I am 100 percent committed to funding all future road and bridge projects. That’s a priority too,” he said. “Supporting a fair system protects people, strengthens small businesses and respects the voters who made their voices heard.”
Swanson has trailed in polling and campaign fundraising in the primary behind Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D), but has continued campaigning ahead of the August primary.
This story was first published by Michigan Advance.
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