Springfield riding high from cannabis sales

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Springfield is benefitting from people using cannabis.

The City of Springfield has collected $1.7 million in cannabis taxes since recreational marijuana sales became legal in Illinois.

Out of the $1.7 million, $300,000 of that came from the state and was given to the Springfield Police Department.

"By far the most money the city sees is from the local cannabis sales tax," said Bill McCarty, director for the office of budget and management. "Most of our cannabis money comes from the local municipal retail occupation tax or cannabis sales tax if you will. That's the majority we have 3% on that. that since inception started a few years ago we've brought in $1.4 million."

The $1.4 million will be split in half.

Half will go to the police and fire pensions, and the other half goes to economic development on the east side.