Is using marijuana considered substance abuse? Maybe in some places. But if you use legal marijuana, you might be able to help fight substance abuse. Several states use marijuana tax revenue to fund state-sponsored drug treatment and education programs. These drug treatment funding measures, which are typically included in state marijuana legislation, are becoming more common as states rake in billions of dollars in tax revenue each year from legal cannabis sales.
(Note: The terms cannabis and marijuana are used interchangeably in this article.)
Marijuana Tax Revenue to Fight Substance Abuse
It’s no secret that substance abuse is a deadly problem in the U.S. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a little over 20 million people were diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder in 2019. Less than 11% of those individuals received treatment. And in 2021, 106,699 people died of drug overdoses, according to the CDC.
Legalizing cannabis in some states has provided new opportunities for fighting the drug crisis. For example, a number of states are using some of the revenue from cannabis and marijuana taxes to fund after-school programs. A major goal of these programs is to prevent substance use by minors. But that's just one example. Read on to see which other state-funded programs you might indirectly support when you visit the dispensary and make a legal marijuana purchase.
Substance Abuse In Alaska
Marijuana excise taxes brought in about $30 million for Alaska in 2021, accounting for more than 3% of the state’s total tax revenue. Alaska uses much of this revenue to fund beneficial community programs, including programs to prevent marijuana use by minors.
According to the Alaska Department of Health, a portion of marijuana excise taxes go to the state's Marijuana Education and Treatment Fund. This fund provides assistance for after-school programs. The programs are meant to help prevent the misuse of marijuana and other substances. Alaska supports other community services with marijuana tax revenue, too.
- The Council on Domestic Violence and Assault received $2 million from fiscal year 2022 revenue.
- The Alaska Department of Corrections uses its funding to support the community through health care, substance abuse prevention, education (for all ages), and sexual abuse prevention and education programs.
The Marijuana Education and Treatment Fund benefits communities in the state, but the fund isn't without flaws. Although some of the marijuana tax revenue is dedicated to specific uses, according to press reports funding isn't always allocated for every qualified department. One program in the Alaska Division of Public Health that works to educate the public about marijuana use reportedly received no additional funding as of 2022.
Impaired Driving In California
California collected $108 million in cannabis excise tax in the fourth quarter of 2022 alone. That doesn’t include the $113.6 million the state received from sales tax revenue. California uses money from cannabis taxes to fund public safety grants. The 2023/2024 grant cycle is focused largely on fighting impaired driving, including community-based education initiatives that help reduce driving while under the influence of substances.
Some critics argue that using a portion of cannabis tax revenue to fund police departments doesn't prevent irresponsible drug use. The argument is that police funding increases non-violent, drug-related arrests instead.
In previous cycles, California awarded grants that support substance abuse prevention in other ways.
- In 2022, California awarded $58.5 million to 61 community organizations that help to prevent youth substance abuse.
- Grants in 2020 included research grants for studying cannabis-related substance disorders and THC potency effects on health.
Colorado Marijuana Tax Fund
Most of Colorado’s marijuana revenue (71.85%) is distributed to the state's Marijuana Tax Cash Fund. This fund is used for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs as well as other essential services, including:
- Health care
- Law enforcement
- Health education
Colorado also uses marijuana tax revenue to repair and build new Colorado public schools.
Illinois Youth Programs
Legal cannabis sales raked in $445 million for Illinois in 2022, a 50% increase from the previous year. Illinois law mandates that 25% of this tax revenue be allocated to economically distressed communities and those impacted the most by violence and the war on drugs. This funding goes to the state's Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) program. That program focuses on civil legal aid, economic development, reentry, violence prevention, and youth development. Previous R3 grants have focused on serving Illinois youth.
- East St. Louis Youth Development Alliance used R3 funding to increase engagement in out-of-school youth programs.
- Springfield Urban League used R3 funding to prepare older youth for the workforce and help them overcome challenges resulting from poverty and crime exposure.
Montana Behavioral Health
Montana allocates $6 million of marijuana tax revenue to Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment (HEART). The HEART fund also receives federal funding, allowing HEART to dedicate a total of $25 million each year to support behavioral health and treatment programs in the state. Some of the funding has improved Medicaid services and tribal communities.
- Medicaid members can now receive inpatient drug treatment regardless of age.
- Tribal governments received more than $1 million to assist with treatment, recovery, and prevention services.
- $2.7 million has been allocated for jail-based behavioral health and other care services.
New York Cannabis Education
New York allocates 20% of cannabis revenue to the Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund. Among other things, this fund supports school-based substance abuse prevention and a campaign to educate the public about responsible cannabis use and safe storage. An additional 40% of the tax revenue is directed to a Community Grants Reinvestment Fund. This fund supports several community improvement initiatives, including:
- Substance abuse treatment
- Childcare
- Housing
- Financial literacy
- Mental health treatment
Additionally, 5% of medical cannabis excise taxes are allocated for further drug abuse prevention, counseling, and treatment services.
Washington Health Care
Nearly 50% of marijuana tax revenue in Washington is allocated to providing healthcare to those in need, such as those without health insurance coverage, according to the Washington State Treasurer. The state uses taxes from liquor to fund initiatives, too. For fiscal year 2022, the Liquor and Cannabis Board allocated $53 million to the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA). In addition to funding substance abuse treatment, eligible individuals can receive access to other essential services:
- Children's long-term mental health inpatient program
- Recovery support
- Essential healthcare services (dental, primary care, etc.)
Other Uses for Marijuana Tax Revenue
As of April 2023, 38 states permit medical cannabis use, and 22 states allow other marijuana use to some extent, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Fighting substance abuse through treatment, prevention, and education is popular, but other states are putting marijuana tax revenue to good use, too.
For example, Nevada dedicates part of its cannabis tax revenue to homelessness programs and public schools. Massachusetts dedicates a portion of its marijuana tax revenue to public schools and improving public transportation.
So, even if your state doesn’t specifically use marijuana taxes to fight substance abuse, there’s still a chance your purchase could benefit the community (as long as you buy marijuana legally).
