Missouri’s Marijuana Industry Contributes $19 Million to Veteran Programs

By Alejandro Villamor Last updated Feb 13, 2024 Share with new partner:

The Missouri Veterans Commission anticipates a significant funding increase from marijuana sales revenue, projected at $19 million by year-end and $22 million for the following fiscal year.

Amy Moore, Director of the Division of Cannabis Regulation, provided these figures to a House committee, attributing the higher-than-expected revenue to robust sales in the adult-use sector.

Since Missouri’s marijuana sales inception in 2019, the state has amassed over $150 million in revenue from taxes and program fees. These funds are allocated according to the state’s constitution, beginning with covering operational costs for both medical and recreational marijuana programs.

After operational expenses, revenue from medical sales is directed to the Missouri Veterans Commission, totaling nearly $40 million to date, including $13 million this year.

For adult-use marijuana, revenue is first allocated to cover expenses incurred by the court system for expunging certain marijuana offenses. Subsequently, funds are divided to support veterans, fund drug addiction treatment programs, and augment the Missouri Public Defenders System’s budget.

Missouri Veterans Commission

missouri's-marijuana-industry-contributes-$19-million-to-veteran-programs — The Missouri Veterans Commission anticipates a significant funding increase from marijuana sales revenue, projected at $19 million by year-end and $22 million for the following fiscal year.

Currently, $1.3 million has been allocated to each of these funds, with the governor proposing an additional $5 million for each in this year’s supplemental budget recommendation. This would result in a total of $19.3 million supporting veterans this year, with projections of $22 million for the next fiscal year.

State Representative Dave Griffith, Chairman of the Veterans Committee, lauded the record-breaking sales of commercial marijuana, expressing optimism about the increased funding for veterans.

Griffith emphasized the importance of adequately funding the Missouri Veterans Commission to fulfill its core responsibilities of maintaining veterans’ homes and cemeteries and providing essential service officers.

Griffith’s goal is to secure a $50 million annual allocation for the commission independent of marijuana revenue, highlighting the need for expanded resources to assist veterans in accessing their benefits efficiently.