Albuquerque—Following City Council approval of the Marijuana Equity and Community Reinvestment resolution, just over $2 million in City of Albuquerque marijuana tax revenue will go toward seven key programs offering substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services, with a large focus on youth.
Programs funded include YDI Dream Big, which provides substance use treatment for middle school-aged kids; UNM’s Young Children’s Health Center, which provides early intervention to prevent substance use disorder; and Enlace Comunitario, which provides mental illness and substance use support to youth.
“There is a need for substance use prevention and treatment services in our city, particularly for youth,” said Health, Housing and Homelessness Director, Gilbert Ramirez. “Early Intervention programs for youth are proven to reduce substance use rates significantly, and these dollars will go toward making a real difference in our community.”
Studies show that for every $1 spent on prevention, communities save up to $10 in social, legal, and healthcare costs.
Some marijuana tax revenue could be allocated to support Substance Use Treatment Vouchers, which are distributed through the City’s Providing Addiction Treatment & Healing (PATH) Program.
“While we’ve secured the funding with R-25-116, ensuring $4.02 million goes to the Marijuana Equity and Community Reinvestment Fund, our work doesn’t stop here. Now, we must demand clear implementation strategies and measurable outcomes. This isn’t just about allocating dollars; it’s about delivering tangible benefits to the communities disproportionately impacted by past injustices. We owe them more than good intentions; we owe them results,” said Albuquerque District 3 Councilor Klarissa J. Peña
“We are working every day to help people get the treatment and services needed to improve their lives and break cycles of addiction,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This funding will support vital substance use prevention and treatment for our most vulnerable.”
Several cities and states have already allocated cannabis tax revenues to fund similar prevention, treatment, and youth-focused services. For example, in 2021, our neighbors in Colorado allocated more than $138 million in marijuana tax revenue to behavioral health programs.
Colorado and other states found this investment creates long-term public health benefits, reduces addiction rates, and saves taxpayer money.
Key funding goes toward substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery programs. Read More
