Colorado officials are calling attention to a rising issue, the use of welfare cash at legal marijuana dispensaries. According to The National Review welfare recipients used their EBT cards 259 times during the first six months of legalization at places where marijuana is sold. A total of $23,608.53 was withdrawn at these establishments.
However, some of the stores sell both marijuana and groceries, so the purchases can’t be tied solely to marijuana. This has enraged many conservatives who are spreading tales of widespread abuse of welfare benefits. Earlier in July, the Colorado State Board of Human Services passed an emergency rule that restricts the use of EBT cards at marijuana shops, bars, liquor stores, gambling establishments, and other inappropriate venues. In addition, if it is discovered that an EBT card is being misused, it will be deactivated.
Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational use of marijuana, thus becoming the model for laws to regulate the sale and usage of marijuana.
