The Arkansas House of Representatives has voted 88 to 4 to pass Senate Bill 59, a measure that would allocate tax revenue from medical marijuana sales and licensing to support free school meals across the state.
The bill, which advances a proposal first introduced by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, has already been approved by the states Senate.
Sanders initially outlined the plan in her State of the State address, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding to support free breakfast and lunch programs for students. She stated that medical marijuana tax revenue would help ensure long-term financial stability for these initiatives.
According to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, medical marijuana sales in the state reached $275.9 million in 2024, generating significant tax revenue. This funding would be redirected to bolster school meal programs, making breakfast completely free for any student who chooses to participate.
Arkansas’ medical marijuana program was established after voters approved Amendment 98 in 2016. The program, regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health, provides access to medical marijuana for qualifying patients through licensed dispensaries. With continued growth in sales, the revenue generated has become a key resource for state-funded initiatives.
With approval through the state’s legislature, the measure will be sent to a supportive Governor Huckabee once it received one final vote by the Senate in order to concur with a minor House amendment.
