Mohave County Greenlights Funding for Mental Health Symposiums Focused on Medical Marijuana

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors recently allocated over $100,000 from medical marijuana revenues for mental health symposiums aimed at enhancing local behavioral health care.

With medical marijuana legalized in Arizona since 2010, SB 1847, passed two years ago, authorized the state to distribute funds from marijuana sales to aid mental health services across its 15 counties. Mohave County has leveraged this funding to organize symposiums, providing valuable education for mental health professionals and the public alike.

This year, Mohave County received $107,956 from these funds. Health officials reported that so far, five mental health symposiums have been held, with the most significant one scheduled for October 30.

County Health Director Melissa Palmer disclosed that the county received an additional $54,000 from the state beyond what was budgeted, which will be fully directed toward the upcoming symposium.

“This event combines training for professionals with informative sessions for the public,” Palmer explained. “Participants will learn about contemporary methods in mental health treatment, and there will be a mini-resource fair alongside a keynote speaker.”

During the board meeting, Chairwoman Hildy Angius raised questions regarding the effectiveness of these symposiums. Palmer noted the recent event in Colorado City attracted around 25 attendees, which she considered a success.

The board ultimately approved the use of medical marijuana funds for future symposiums, with a 4-1 vote. Supervisor Ron Gould voted against the measure.