Aldermen Advance Marijuana Tax for Code Blue
St. Louis aldermen perfected a bill directing the city's adult-use marijuana tax toward the Code Blue winter program, with final passage expected next week.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Substance Abuse
Live Poll
Should St. Louis use marijuana tax revenue to fund winter homeless services?
The St. Louis Board of Aldermen perfected Board Bill 91 by a 9-2 vote on Friday, which would dedicate the city's 3% adult-use marijuana tax to the Code Blue program. The bill is expected to generate approximately $1.8 million for the program, and a final vote is scheduled for next week.
Why it matters
Code Blue funds shelter space, transportation, outreach, and other services during extreme winter weather, so the bill would redirect marijuana tax revenue toward those needs. Supporters argue the move aligns with the tax's original intent of addressing historic inequalities, while some aldermen questioned whether all of the revenue should go entirely to Code Blue.
The bill would route the city's 3% adult-use marijuana tax to Code Blue, with an estimated $1.8 million in projected funding. Final passage has not occurred, and aldermen have not settled whether the entire tax revenue should be dedicated to the program.
The players
Alisha Sonnier
Alisha Sonnier is an alderwoman on the St. Louis Board of Aldermen who proposed Board Bill 91 to dedicate the city's marijuana tax to Code Blue.
The details
Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier proposed Board Bill 91 to dedicate the marijuana tax to Code Blue, which helps pay for shelter space, transportation, public outreach, and other services during extreme winter weather. The marijuana tax ordinance states that its efforts may include funding access to education, workforce opportunities, or youth engagement.
Timeline
Friday: Board of Aldermen perfected Board Bill 91 by a 9-2 vote.
Next week: Scheduled final passage vote on Board Bill 91.
Big Picture
Board Bill 91 applies the stated purpose of St. Louis's adult-use marijuana tax ordinance, which points to addressing historic inequalities, by directing its revenue to Code Blue. The bill makes the ordinance's funding priorities concrete as aldermen debate how broadly the tax should be spent.
If passed, the bill would direct the city's marijuana tax revenue toward Code Blue services such as winter shelter space and transportation during extreme cold. Residents who rely on those services could see funding tied to marijuana tax collections rather than other sources.
The takeaway
Tax revenue earmarked for specific programs shows how local governments can connect cannabis policy to direct services. Watching the final vote next week will show whether the city keeps the marijuana tax focused on Code Blue or broadens its use.
What happens next
The Board of Aldermen is scheduled to hold a final passage vote on Board Bill 91 next week.
Further reading
Explore more Substance Abuse coverage for context on how marijuana policy is shaping local funding decisions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox2Now.
Live Poll
Should St. Louis use marijuana tax revenue to fund winter homeless services?
