Legislation introduced last week from Southwest Michigan state Senator Jonathan Lindsey would repeal the state’s new 24% wholesale tax on marijuana, but does will it have enough support to make it through the Legislature?

State Representative Brad Paquette says while the intent is good, he has doubts.

“I don’t see what was just put in place being overturned anytime soon,” Paquette said. “But he definitely is moving that. He’s been speaking about that. I respect the capitalist approach.”

Paquette says despite his own feelings on the whole marijuana issue, he respects Lindsey’s effort.

“I voted against the tax increase personally and I voted against marijuana when it was on the ballot. I’m not a marijuana guy, but it’s here, it’s in the district and it’s one thing that’s been bringing in new businesses and one of the only things that’s been bringing in new businesses.”

The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association is backing the bill to eliminate the cannabis tax, just months after lawmakers approved it during last minute budget negotiations as a way to raise money for road repairs.

The association says it’s already seeing customers turn away from dispensaries and going back to illicit sellers to get a better price. It warns the state’s nascent marijuana industry can’t afford to be targeted with such a large tax when its margins were low to begin with.