As we head into Memorial Day weekend, we want to take a moment to recognize the many veterans who walk through our doors. 

At Key Cannabis Dispensary, we deeply value the service and sacrifices of U.S. veterans. A lot of our customers, including veterans, use cannabis to manage a variety of conditions. Beyond relief and wellness, cannabis sales in many states contribute directly to broader support systems for veterans.

So when you shop at Key Dispensary, you’re also contributing funds to vital programs for veterans in the communities we serve. In  Illinois and Arizona, a portion of the taxes collected on your cannabis purchases goes toward services like mental health support, addiction recovery, legal aid, and in Missouri, taxes directly support veterans’ services in addition to those programs. Learn more about the efforts in each state below.

Veterans and Cannabis in Missouri

In Missouri, cannabis sales are making a big impact. In 2025 alone, the state directed over $23 million in marijuana tax revenue to veteran services, including health care programs run by the Missouri Veterans Commission. 

These funds also support substance use treatment and legal aid services across the state. That means every product you buy helps power programs that veterans count on.

Veterans and Cannabis in Illinois

In Illinois, 20% of cannabis tax revenue is earmarked for mental health and substance use programs—resources that many veterans rely on. 

Another 25% goes to the R3 Program, which funds organizations in communities hit hardest by past criminalization. While not veteran-specific, these programs provide access to support services that make a difference.

Veterans and Cannabis in Arizona

In Arizona, a 16% excise tax on cannabis helps fund education, public health, and infrastructure. While veteran services aren’t specifically carved out, many veterans benefit from the broader social programs supported by these dollars.

Want to Do More?

Cannabis purchases already go a long way toward supporting veteran services in Missouri, and there are many other ways to show your support. Here are a few:

• Ask about Veteran Discounts: Many of our locations offer everyday discounts for veterans. If you or someone you know served, just ask your budtender for details—we’re honored to give back.
• Support Local Veteran-Focused Organizations: Here are a few organizations doing important work for veterans across our communities:

Missouri

• The Mission Continues – St. Louis Platoon –  Empowers veterans to serve in their communities through service projects. Opportunities include neighborhood revitalization and youth mentorship.
• Veterans Community Project – Kansas City – Fights veteran homelessness with tiny homes and walk-in support services.
  

Illinois

• Illinois Joining Forces – Connects service members, veterans, and families to essential statewide services.
• Road Home Program – Chicago – Specializes in mental health care, including PTSD and trauma treatment for veterans.
• Wounded Warrior Project – Illinois Chapter – Offers local events, recovery support, and transition services.

Arizona

• Arizona Coalition for Military Families – Provides behavioral health, housing, and employment reintegration services for veterans statewide.
• Soldier’s Best Friend – Pairs veterans with PTSD or TBI with service or therapeutic dogs trained in Arizona.
• U.S. Vets – Phoenix – Delivers transitional housing, mental health care, and job training in the greater Phoenix area.

While Memorial Day is a time to honor those we’ve lost, it’s also a moment to reflect on how we care for those in our communities who have served. We’re proud that each purchase plays a small part in that support.