KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Programs across the state of Missouri receive millions of dollars in funding from the state’s cannabis program.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said it is required to distribute funds generated by taxes on marijuana sales.
This week the state distributed more than $16 million dollars to three agencies. The money is split evenly between the three, with each receiving $5,459,172.
Missouri Veterans CommissionThe money is to be used exclusively for health care and other services benefiting military veterans and their families.Missouri State Public DefenderThis funding is only to be used for legal assistance to help low-income Missourians, according to the state.Department of Health and Senior ServicesFunding will be offered as grants to increase the access to low-barrier drug addiction treatment. Medically proven treatment and overdose prevention and reversal methods will be given priority.The funding will also be available to support job placement, housing, and counseling for anyone with substance use disorders.Grants can also be used to support overdose prevention education.
Missouri voters approved an amendment legalizing adult-use marijuana in November 2022.
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The state taxes marijuana sold at licensed dispensaries at 6%, unless the buyer has a medical marijuana card. Cities and counties are also allowed to add their own taxes, if approved by voters.
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