Veterans Commission to receive $2.1 million from medical marijuana program
September 16, 2020 at 5:05 a.m.
| Updated September 16, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
FILE - In this Oct. 16, 2015 file photo, marijuana plants grow in the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe's growing facility in Flandreau, S.D. Members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe will vote this week on legalizing medical and recreational marijuana on South Dakota's Pine Ridge Reservation in an initiative that many hope will bring economic development to one of the most impoverished areas in the country. If the measure is approved, the Oglala Sioux Tribe would become the only Native American tribe to set up a cannabis market in a state where it's otherwise illegal. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe attempted to set up a marijuana resort in the eastern part of the state in 2015, but eventually burned its cannabis crop out of fear of a federal raid. (Joe Ahlquist/The Argus Leader via AP, File)
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is transferring about $2.1 million from its medical marijuana program to the Missouri Veterans Commission.
Missourians voted in November 2018 to create a medical marijuana program. The program allows for the use of medical marijuana in the state.
The Amendment voters passed requires DHSS to transfer fees and taxes collected (after operational expenses) to the commission, which is to use the revenue for health care services for veterans.
Through Dec. 5, 2019, the program had collected $18.7 million in fees.
A formal presentation of the transfer of funds is being planned, according to a DHSS news release.
