Great news for Missourians! Since recreational Cannabis was legalized in Missouri 2022. It has led to more than $19 million going towards great causes. Supporting veterans, expanding substance use treatment programs and adding to the Missouri Public Defenders System’s budget.
“It is so rewarding to see the impact of this voter-approved program. These organizations were able to provide vital services to Missourians,” said Amy Moore. Amy is the director of the Division of Cannabis Regulation for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
The constitutional amendment Missouri voters approved in November 2022 to legalize recreational marijuana was specifically established to fund these causes.
Last fall, each of these three programs received $1.3 million. Then earlier this month, DHSS transferred an additional $5.1 million for each.
The funds going to the Missouri Veterans Commission. Are specifically meant to pay for health care, and services for military veterans.
The public defender system’s funds will pay for legal assistance for low-income Missourians.
DHSS will use its fund to operate a grant program. Increasing access to drug addiction treatment with an emphasis on, reintegrating recipients into their local communities. By supporting job placement, housing and counseling.
In January, Moore told state lawmakers that recreational cannabis sales had generated $58 million in revenue. Which includes sales tax and annual fees marijuana businesses pay the state.
So far, $8.2 million has gone to pay for the state’s operation costs of regulating the recreational marijuana industry.
After operational costs, the next the expenses incurred by the court system for expunging certain marijuana offenses.
After that, revenues are split between veterans, substance use treatment programs and public defenders.
“We look forward to watching this impact grow,” Moore said, “and are grateful to be a part of it.”
