Republican Senators Block Progress on Medical Marijuana
and Medicaid in Kansas

Political Gridlock Keeps Medical Marijuana
and Medicaid Expansion Off Kansas’ Agenda

Summary

• Kansas remains one of the few states that have not legalized medical marijuana or expanded Medicaid.
• Republican state senators blocked efforts to discuss these issues, postponing any potential changes until next year.
• Supporters argue that there is significant public backing for both initiatives, although they fell short of the required votes.
• Unlike some states that allow voter initiatives to change laws, Kansas does not permit statewide ballot proposals for new legislation.
• Similar to states like Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, Kansas has not taken action on medical marijuana or Medicaid expansion, leading to criticism for falling behind.

For another year, Kansas remains with the few states that haven’t legalized medical marijuana or broadened their Medicaid programs. Efforts to bring these issues to debate were blocked by Republican state senators, meaning discussions on legalization and expansion won’t happen until at least next year. Although attempts to move these measures forward fell short of the required votes, supporters argue there’s significant public backing for both. Unlike in some states where voter initiatives have successfully changed laws, Kansas doesn’t permit statewide ballot proposals for new legislation.

The state is among a small group, including Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, that hasn’t adopted medical marijuana or expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This inaction has led some, like state Sen. John Doll who supports both initiatives, to criticize Kansas for lagging behind.

Despite the GOP holding a strong majority, which led to expectations of failure for these measures, debates around them reveal deep divides. Opponents, including law enforcement, worry that legalizing medical marijuana could edge the state towards recreational use, citing concerns from other states like Oklahoma, which has seen significant challenges since its legalization. However, Oklahoma also benefits financially, with substantial revenue from taxes on marijuana.

The connection between medical cannabis and Medicaid expansion was even made by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who proposed using marijuana taxes to fund Medicaid expansion—an initiative that would extend health coverage to an additional 150,000 residents. Yet, despite aggressive campaigning for Medicaid expansion, the effort narrowly failed in a recent vote.

Political strategies and public campaigns from both sides of the aisle indicate how contentious and crucial these issues are to the state’s future. Critics of the recent legislative session argue that failing to address these matters doesn’t just ignore popular support but also misses opportunities for revenue and healthcare improvements that other states have capitalized on.