Democrats launch comprehensive cannabis legalization push
Proposal includes medical marijuana, recreational use, and constitutional protections for voters to decide.
TOPEKA — House Democrats introduced a four-bill cannabis legalization package Wednesday, marking the party's most aggressive push yet to bring legal marijuana to Kansas.
The legislation includes two statutory measures — HB 2678 creating a medical cannabis program and HB 2679 legalizing adult recreational use — along with two proposed constitutional amendments that would enshrine cannabis rights in the Kansas Constitution and send the question directly to voters in November. Rep. Ford Carr, D-Wichita (District 84), is the lead sponsor on all four measures.
The bills would fund child care, mental health services, affordable housing and property tax rebates through cannabis excise taxes while requiring expungement of prior cannabis-related charges. Twenty-seven House Democrats signed on as co-sponsors. The two-track approach — pursuing both statutory legalization and constitutional protection — represents a significant escalation from past incremental efforts and reflects growing Democratic frustration with Republican inaction on an issue that polls show most Kansans support.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
Brought to you by (click me!)
