Missouri’s Legal Marijuana Sales Boost Funding for Veterans
As the legal cannabis industry continues to grow in Missouri, a significant benefit is emerging for the state’s veterans. Dispensaries like Flora Farms in Springfield are seeing a surge in sales, which is translating into increased funding for veteran-related programs.
Prior to the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Missouri, monthly sales were around $30-35 million. Since the law took effect, sales have quadrupled to an average of $120 million per month. This growth has generated a significant amount of tax revenue, with a 6% tax on adult-use sales and a 4% tax on medical marijuana sales.
A portion of this revenue is allocated to support veteran-related causes, with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) transferring over $23 million to the Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) earlier this year. The MVC uses this funding to provide a range of services to military veterans and their families, including healthcare, job support, housing assistance, and counseling.
Flora Farms President Mark Hendren, a Navy veteran himself, has seen firsthand the impact of this funding on the veteran community. “They’ve been very appreciative and very supportive of our program,” he said. “Everybody was initially hesitant, but with the regulatory presence in Missouri, it’s been very safe and well-regulated, and it’s raised a lot of money for the veterans.”
Missouri has now surpassed $4 billion in total legal cannabis sales, with the majority of this revenue coming from adult-use sales. The city of Springfield has also implemented an additional 3% sales tax on recreational marijuana, bringing the total tax rate to over 17%.
As the legal cannabis industry continues to grow in Missouri, it’s clear that the state’s veterans are benefiting from the increased revenue. With more funding available for veteran-related programs, organizations like the MVC are able to provide critical support to those who have served their country.
