JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — February marks the first anniversary of legal cannabis sales for adult, non-medical use in Missouri. There has been significant growth and change in the industry over the past year.
The state averaged nearly $4 million in cannabis sales per day. That is around $1.3 billion in cannabis sales in 2023.
Millions of dollars in money made from recreational marijuana taxes are going to veterans, public defenders, and programs to combat addiction. Missouri has sent $3.8 million from the adult-use marijuana program to various agencies as specified in Article XIV, Section 2.
Notably, $1.2 million was sent to the Missouri Veterans Commission, the Substance Use Disorder Grants Program, and the Missouri State Public Defender System.
Missouri’s Division of Cannabis Regulation has increased its staff from around 50 to nearly 150. The department also awarded the first 48 microbusiness licenses.
This anniversary underscores Missouri’s evolving approach to cannabis regulation and its commitment to supporting key state programs through the generated funds.
