#United States #California #Sacramento #DOGE #Weed for Warriors

Urging Leadership for Veteran Welfare: Cannabis Oversight Initiative

Weed for Warriors Project, the foremost veteran-driven organization focused on cannabis, is making waves by urging Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to take the helm of a vital 2026 state initiative in California. This proposed measure aims to grant DOGE unprecedented access to the state budget processes, encompassing the essential authority to audit nonprofits that primarily rely on taxpayer funding. The call for action comes amidst the looming increase of California's cannabis excise tax, a rise that threatens the livelihood and well-being of many veterans who use cannabis as a crucial alternative to traditional opioids.

Come July 1, 2025, California's cannabis tax will jump from 15% to 19%, a decision made back in a controversial deal between legislators and certain nonprofit organizations benefiting from cannabis tax revenue. This tax increase is viewed as a significant blow to an already faltering cannabis market, pushing veterans towards potentially harmful alternatives. Research indicates that access to cannabis correlates with reduced overdose rates, yet this tax hike seems to prioritize nonprofit interests over the wellness of veteran communities.

Sean Kiernan, CEO of Weed for Warriors, voiced the urgent plea for Musk's involvement, highlighting the dire implications of the tax hike. He stated, "The state's cannabis policies are abandoning veterans. This 19% tax, cooked up with nonprofits, will make legal cannabis unaffordable for disabled vets, pushing them toward opioids or the black market. Meanwhile, these same nonprofits are profiting significantly from taxpayer contributions without accountability."

The statistics surrounding the state budget paint a challenging picture. Nonprofits reportedly consume about 10-15% of California’s annual $300 billion budget, translating to an estimated $30 billion to $45 billion linked to various programs, including cannabis tax allocations. However, accountability remains elusive. Despite over $20 billion being spent on initiatives targeting homelessness, including substantial nonprofit contracts, the situation remains grim, with more than 11,000 veterans without stable housing.

The envisioned 2026 initiative seeks to empower DOGE with various authorities, including:

• - Comprehensive oversight of California's entire budgetary framework from revenue generation to expenditure allocation.
• - The ability to audit nonprofits absorbing taxpayer funds, specifically those involved in cannabis revenue agreements.
• - A redirection of wasted resources toward pressing voter concerns, such as reducing the tax and regulatory burden faced by Californians.

Kiernan further emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, "Elon Musk can break this cycle. Nonprofits are profiting while veterans suffer, and the rise in cannabis taxes only exacerbates the situation. DOGE has the potential to audit these organizations, eliminate waste, and prioritize taxpayers' needs. We need Musk to lead this charge in 2026."

As this situation unfolds, the demand for accountability and transparency in California's cannabis revenue generation appears more pressing than ever. The Weed for Warriors Project stands firm in its commitment to supporting veterans through access to cannabis, and is rallying for significant change that sources funds in a more accountable manner while prioritizing the welfare of those who served. The hope is that with Musk's involvement, the initiative can gain traction and spark a meaningful transformation in the state's approach to cannabis policy and veteran support.

For more information, contact Sean Kiernan at Weed for Warriors Project. This veteran-led organization is dedicated to advocating for cannabis as a legitimate healing tool, fostering community support, and demanding necessary policy reforms that truly serve the veteran community.