MPP REPORT: States have generated $28.4 billion in revenue from adult-use sales

In the 14 years since Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize adult-use cannabis, over $28.4 billion in tax revenue has been generated nationwide by legalization states, according to the latest data compiled by MPP.

Our 2026 report shows that state cannabis tax revenues have increased every year since 2022, and with 26 states yet to pass a legalization law, there are still enormous untapped resources that can be unlocked through continued progress.

In 2025 alone, states reported $4.5 billion in tax revenue from adult-use sales, with many states designating the tax revenues from these transactions to support vital budget priorities including education, public safety, and other community-building projects. 

Since our last state tax revenue report released last year, two more states have launched legal adult-use markets — Delaware and Minnesota. Delaware has collected $3.1 million in cannabis tax revenue since sales began on August 1, 2025, and Minnesota has brought in an estimated $2 million to state coffers just since September 16, 2025.

Legalization has demonstrated that rather than unjustly criminalizing cannabis and empowering unregulated illicit markets, states can instead implement age-gated markets that ultimately generate substantial funding for schools, veterans, substance abuse treatment, law enforcement training, fire departments, and other impactful community programs. 

From reducing arrests and teen cannabis use, to providing a new source of revenue for states and local communities, your support for MPP is leading to tangible positive change across the country. 

Together, we will continue to drive efforts to replace the devastation of prohibition with evidence-based cannabis policies that focus on public health, safety, and access.