ABQ Times

Albuquerque has allocated over $2 million from its marijuana tax revenue to support seven programs aimed at preventing, treating, and recovering from substance use disorders. The focus is primarily on youth services.

Among the funded initiatives are YDI Dream Big, which offers treatment for middle school students; UNM’s Young Children’s Health Center, which focuses on early intervention; and Enlace Comunitario, providing mental health and substance use support to young people.

“There is a need for substance use prevention and treatment services in our city, particularly for youth,” said Gilbert Ramirez, Director of Health, Housing and Homelessness. “Early Intervention programs for youth are proven to reduce substance use rates significantly, and these dollars will go toward making a real difference in our community.”

Research indicates that each dollar spent on prevention can save communities up to $10 in social, legal, and healthcare expenses.

The funds may also be used for Substance Use Treatment Vouchers through the City’s Providing Addiction Treatment & Healing (PATH) Program.

"While we've secured the funding with R-25-116, ensuring $4.02 million goes to the Marijuana Equity and Community Reinvestment Fund, our work doesn't stop here," stated Albuquerque District 3 Councilor Klarissa J. Peña. "Now, we must demand clear implementation strategies and measurable outcomes."

Mayor Tim Keller emphasized the importance of these efforts: “We are working every day to help people get the treatment and services needed to improve their lives and break cycles of addiction.”

This initiative follows similar actions by other cities and states. In 2021, Colorado allocated more than $138 million from marijuana taxes to behavioral health programs. These investments have been shown to create long-term public health benefits while reducing addiction rates and saving taxpayer money.