Proposal would divert a share of cannabis sales tax revenue to bolster Veterans Trust Fund

Delegate Vogel presented House Bill 151 to direct a portion of cannabis sales tax receipts to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund to create a sustained revenue stream for grants and services to veterans and military families.

Witnesses including veterans‑service organizations and the fund’s advocates testified that the trust fund currently relies on gifts, lotteries and an income tax checkoff, and that applications have been suspended in prior years when funds depleted. Jason Spiegel, president of the Maryland Military Coalition, said more than 200 qualified applicants were denied support last year because the fund had insufficient funds. Shanith Maribel Lewis, a veteran and nonprofit executive, urged a 5% allocation, arguing veterans are overrepresented among medical cannabis patients and the fund’s mission supports suicide prevention and crisis services.

Delegates discussed the fiscal projections and committee members asked questions about the amount and timing of revenues; one delegate noted a projected growth in revenues from roughly $4.1 million to $6.2 million by 2031 in testimony. Sponsor said he favored flexibility and was open to mandated appropriations or other funding methods.

Supporters argued a predictable revenue source would allow the trust fund to operate year‑round and continue grantmaking to organizations serving veterans. The hearing closed after questions and additional community testimony.