Laura Kelly on Drugs

	Laura Kelly on Drugs

Time for Kansas to finally legalize medical marijuana

There's another common-sense way to improve health care here in Kansas--and that's to finally legalize medical marijuana. In 39 other states, Americans with chronic pain, seizure disorders, and PTSD can access medical marijuana to relieve their suffering. But it's still illegal here in Kansas. Every day, thousands of Kansans are forced to choose between breaking the law and living without pain. It is an unbearable choice--and an absolutely unnecessary one. Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature , Jan 24, 2023

Pay for Medicaid expansion with proceeds from medical pot

Gov. Laura Kelly and Attorney General Derek Schmidt [at the second and final debate had an] extended back-and-forth on the legalization of medical marijuana, with Schmidt saying he was open to the idea in limited circumstances and with appropriate guardrails.

Kelly is a longtime supporter of legalization and introduced unsuccessful legislation last year to pay for Medicaid expansion with tax proceeds from medical marijuana sales. She said she was glad Schmidt "finally agreed with me" and said it was a vital to keep residents in the state, though she also warned of mirroring Colorado's experience, where she said, "There really is a shop on every corner."

"This will be a very well-regulated industry that will ensure medical marijuana is being used appropriately and not inappropriately," she said. "We will not let it spread like wildfire."

Source: Topeka Capital-Journal on 2022 Kansas Gubernatorial race , Oct 5, 2022

Supports medical marijuana and treatment over incarceration

The three major Democratic candidates-Carl Brewer, Josh Svaty and Laura Kelly--all support medical marijuana. Sen. Laura Kelly, D-Topeka, predicted Kansas is a long way from legalizing recreational use, in part because of the makeup of the Legislature. Kansas needs to evaluate its sentencing guidelines, Kelly said, adding that the state's jails are full of nonviolent first time offenders who probably need treatment. Medicinal use is much closer to becoming reality, Kelly said. Source: The Wichita Eagle on 2018 Kansas gubernatorial race , Jun 29, 2018

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*Other governors on Drugs:*			*Laura Kelly on other issues:*
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