One of a handful of states yet to legalise medical cannabis, a recent survey found ongoing strong support in Kansas to do so.
Multiple attempts have been made to legalise medicinal cannabis in the state, and all – including attempts this year – have been thwarted. It has been an ongoing source of frustration for Governor Laura Kelly, who said last year Kansans deserve compassionate, forward-thinking laws that improve their quality of life.
Fort Hays State University’s Docking Institute of Public Affairs recently released the annual Kansas Speaks Survey results, which were based on a panel of 645 adult residents aged 18 and older who were surveyed online. On the issue of cannabis, 72.9% of respondents “strongly” or “somewhat support” legalization of medical marijuana in general, while 12% opposed. Support was strongest in the 45-64 years-old age group.
Support for legalizing recreational marijuana was at 61.3% of respondents, with 22.3% opposing. 60% of respondents were “highly” or “somewhat likely” to vote for a candidate who supports medical marijuana legalization, indicating its an important issue for many Kansans and a factor that could influence votes in this week’s election.
65.2% of respondents supported legalizing recreational marijuana for individuals 21 and older to allow state taxation; with 18.7% opposed.
The Kansas legislature’s 2024 Special Committee on Medical Marijuana met again last week, looking at pathways for reform. From that, a report will be compiled on the results from the two hearings. But a proposal urging action on legislation didn’t pass muster.
In testimony at the hearing last week, the Marijuana Policy Project’s Kevin Caldwell stated:
“People who could benefit from medical cannabis should not have to wait — and in some cases cannot wait — for the right to use it legally. If medical cannabis can provide relief to those suffering from terrible illnesses like cancer and multiple sclerosis, it is unconscionable to criminalize them for using it.”
The ACLU’s Rashane Hamby said:
“While legalizing medical cannabis is a critical step, Kansas must also decriminalize cannabis possession to address the broader harms caused by prohibition. Cannabis criminalization disproportionately impacts communities of color and working-class individuals, perpetuating cycles of poverty and incarceration.”
Kansas is surrounded on three sides by states that have legalized medical cannabis.
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