A new poll shows that two-thirds of Kansans support the legalization of marijuana. This includes a majority among Republicans. Most Kansans say they are likely to vote in favor of lawmakers who support medical cannabis legalization.
The Docking Institute of Public Affairs’ Kansas Speaks Fall survey found that while medical marijuana reforms have been stalled in the GOP-controlled legislature, 67 percent of Kansans are ready for a fundamental change to increase revenue by legalizing and taxing cannabis recreationally.
This includes people of all ages, income levels, and political and religious affiliations. The independents were the most likely to favor legalization strongly or somewhat, at 76 per cent.
Residents were also asked if they would be likely to vote for a candidate in the legislature who supported medical cannabis. Around 64 percent of respondents said they were highly or somewhat likely support such a candidate.
There was also a majority of support across the political spectrum. 78 percent among Democrats, 64 percent among independents, and 57 percent among Republicans said they would support legislators who supported medical cannabis reform.
The survey included interviews with 477 Kansas adult residents from September 20 through October 10. The report was published on Tuesday.
The findings are in stark contrast to the actions taken in the legislative body to date. Despite the efforts of advocates, lawmakers have not been able to come to an agreement on even incremental legalization.
A Kansas Senate Committee ultimately shelved in March a bill that would have legalized medical marijuana following an hearing with multiple opponents including representatives of state law enforcement.
This prompted Gov. Laura Kelly (D), in a press release, urged the public to call their representatives and demand that they bring the legislation up for action. But this did not occur before the end the legislative session.
Kelly, who is a long-time advocate of cannabis reform, stated at the time she was “disappointed” that some lawmakers were saying they didn’t want to legalize medical marijuana in this year, effectively turning their backs on veterans, those with chronic pain, and those with seizure disorders.
The governor said that in 2021 she would “enlist the efforts of Kansas residents who truly want this reform” to press their legislators to get it enacted.
A medical marijuana bill was passed by the House in 2021 but failed to pass the Senate.
Senate President Ty Masterson, R., previously stated that he expects bills and hearings to be held on this issue in the coming year. A spokesperson for the senator said that he understands perspectives on medical marijuana are “maturing”, though the spokesperson added that the issue “is not a priority.”
In her annual State of the State Address in January the governor stated that “there’s a commonsense way to improve healthcare here in Kansas – and that’s finally legalizing medical marijuana.”
She gave the example of , a terminally-ill man who had his hospital room raided and was issued a citation later rescinded to appear in court for possession of cannabis extract and vape that he used to treat severe pain. The man who was arrested has since died.
In December , the members of the Special Committee on Medical Marijuana met for their final meeting to prepare the legislation for the session in 2023.
The panel, which visited a Missouri marijuana cultivation facility as part of its work late last year, discussed the many issues they had earlier this year with officials and experts.
Last year, the then-House Minority leader Tom Sawyer (D), and Assistant Minority leader Jason Probst (D), said that they wanted to let the voters decide whether medical marijuana and adult-use cannabis should be legalized in the state.
Rep. Brandon Woodard filed the measure for the governor.
Kelly stated that following President Joe Biden’s announcement last summer pardoning those who have committed federal marijuana possession crimes and imploring other governors to do the same, her administration ” is focused on legalizing Medical Marijuana to ensure Kansans suffering from severe illnesses don’t suffer any longer.
She said that the government will continue to “consider all clemency requests and pardons based on an in-depth and complete review of each case.”
In 2020, the governor said that she would not personally support adult-use legalization but she would not rule out signing a reform if it came across her desk.
Bipartisan Congressional Lawmakers File Marijuana Legalization Bill
Photo by Mike Latimer.
The post A New Poll Finds That Two-thirds Of Kansans Support Legalizing Marijuana And Taxing It first appeared on Marijuana Minute.
