(CNN) Colorado, the pioneering state for pot peddling, has now made more than $1 billion in revenue since it legalized marijuana sales in 2014.

The Colorado Department of Revenue announced this week that the combined marijuana tax, license and fee revenue had reached $1.02 billion, and marijuana sales alone have exceeded $6.56 billion.

"This industry is helping grow our economy by creating jobs and generating valuable revenue that is going towards preventing youth consumption, protecting public health and safety and investing in public school construction," Governor Jared Polis said in a statement.

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The revenue from Colorado's marijuana tax funds several public education programs, as well as health and human services programs throughout the state.