OSPI receives about $520,000 a year from marijuana tax revenue, however the taxes were not originally earmarked to go toward education.
WASHINGTON, USA — There’s been a lot of debate in Washington about how the state should use the tax money it gets from marijuana purchases.
Washington state voters opted to legalize recreational marijuana a decade ago in 2012. The state collected over $559 million in legal marijuana income and license fees in 2021, according to the Washington State Treasurer.
Viewer Alice wrote to KING 5 asking whether or not tax revenue from marijuana sales in the state goes toward funding education.
THE QUESTION
“The marijuana taxes were supposed to go to help schools. Are the schools getting any money?”
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, Washington schools get some money from marijuana tax revenue, however, it’s only a small portion of the funds. Additionally, marijuana taxes were never solely intended to fund the state’s education system.
WHAT WE FOUND
The Office of Financial Management and OSPI said roughly $520,000 a…
