In July, Missouri recorded $123 million in recreational marijuana sales, nearly identical to the sales in July 2023.
This brings the state’s total marijuana sales for the year to approximately $824 million, putting the state on track to pass $1 billion in sales in September. Overall, cumulative sales since February 2023 have now reached $2.66 billion, resulting in over $250 million in tax revenue.
In 2023, Missouri generated $1.3 billion in legal marijuana sales, contributing over $130 million in tax revenue to the state.
Missouri voters approved recreational marijuana in 2022, with licensed marijuana retail outlets opening in February 2023. The law allows those 21 and older to possess up to three ounces of marijuana and to grow up to six plants for personal use. The state’s medical marijuana program, approved by voters in 2018, saw its first dispensaries open in October 2020.
Recreational marijuana in Missouri is subject to a 6% tax, on top of the state’s 4.2% sales tax. Medical marijuana is exempt from the 6% tax but is still subject to the sales tax. Additionally, local governments can levy a citywide tax of up to 3%.
Once the state’s legal marijuana program costs are covered, the remaining tax revenue is allocated as follows:
- One-third to the Missouri Veterans Commission and its affiliated state agencies.
- One-third for grants to nonprofit drug addiction treatment centers.
- One-third to the Missouri public defenders system, reserved for low-income Missouri residents.
In the April primary election, Dent County and the cities of Desloge, Cool Valley, Fenton, Marthasville, Pagedale, Velda City, and Winchester passed ordinances to implement a 3% marijuana tax.
