County to Decide on Boosting Mental Health Services with Marijuana Revenue Funding

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors is set to vote on a proposal to allocate nearly $110,000 in medical marijuana grant revenue to bolster local mental health services.

These funds originate from a state fund established through Senate Bill 1847, passed three years ago. The bill directs tax revenues from medical marijuana sales to support mental health initiatives across Arizona’s 15 counties. For the 2024 fiscal year, Mohave County is poised to receive $107,956 after administrative costs, as stated in county records.

Senate Bill 1847, enacted in 2021, provides Mohave County with its sole source of state funding for mental health services, according to a statement made last year by former county health director Denise Burley.

“The voters legalized marijuana for medical use in 2010,” said Supervisor Ron Gould. “I’m willing to use the tax revenue generated to address the issues that marijuana creates.”

This year’s grant is earmarked for county-wide mental health symposiums, based on county documentation.

However, acceptance of this funding at the upcoming Mohave County Board of Supervisors meeting remains uncertain.

“Some supervisors have been hesitant about accepting money that may come with conditions,” commented Supervisor Jean Bishop. “However, this grant could significantly benefit numerous mental health programs, including Stop Smoking campaigns, drug rehabilitation initiatives, and the forthcoming Reach Out jail re-entry facility for individuals with mental illness or substance abuse disorders.”

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors is slated to make a decision on accepting the $107,956 grant from state medical marijuana proceeds at their next meeting on Monday in Kingman.