Should Kansas legalize medical marijuana to help with their budget deficit?

Maj Kim Patterson — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 10:34:37 -0400

Kansas is woefully behind (Darwin doesn't get taught in many schools) (home of Westboro: let's begin deportation with them) and broke. A recent public discussion asked for proposals to generate revenue for schools and transportation/roads and it turned to a discussion about MJ. Many families rely on school as daycare. The main flow went into legalization of pot like our next door neighbor, Colorado. This would provide tax $, keep the little bitty fishes with a roach in their pocket out of jail (saving jail housing costs) and keep it off a record that might otherwise be stellar, and establish regulations about what goes into the MJ because right now, there are a million different things that can cause psychosis.

Several studies have been done with positive results for pain control in cancer patients and during PTSD/MST treatment. Would you be willing to entertain the idea in your state and support legislation for personal use amounts? Keep in mind business can still determine their own policies about MJ acceptance. I'm for it after watching how much it helped my cousin while she died from brain cancer but I will not break the law.

I understand that you might want to comment anonymously on this thread. I went public with my opinions a few days ago and they were well received. I refuse to break the law and the VA can't prescribe oil or pills because MJ of any kind is not legal in KS.

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 22 at 2016 10:38 AM

TSgt David L. — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 10:38:33 -0400

Hey man. Like lets pass this bill so I can get, ah, better. Yeah, that's it! LOL

Response by SFC Familia Gonzalez made Apr 22 at 2016 11:03 AM

SFC Familia Gonzalez — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:03:26 -0400

I think we should look (scientific research) into the benefits MJ can have, perticularly when used for pain, and according to recent literature PTSD... Now like anything else, anything done in excess can be harmful, hence I can see where some would take MJ because they're sore from PT etc... Then again, if it's FDA/DEA approved, why not! Heck, most of our recent POTUS have used MJ and they did ok in life! Of course we had that one perticular president who claims he didn't inhale! Ha!

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Apr 22 at 2016 11:05 AM

SFC Pete Kain — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:05:22 -0400

Sure legalize it. Maybe we can move past the war on a herb. People do it illegally anyway.
Don't worry be happy.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 22 at 2016 11:06 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:06:15 -0400

Could you reference some of the studies done by a reliable source? I, am personally ambivalent with regard to this substance, but as you point out, it IS against Federal law. Despite the 10th amendment, Federal supremacy still prevails. I don't think more legal mind altering substances benefit society and it would seem that there are better means of relieving pain with legally prescribed medical treatments. The Feds should show some leadership and either bow out on MJ or leave it up to the states to decide.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 11:15 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:15:35 -0400

I saw the effects of marijuana use in Vietnam. I would not support it on a ballot. I might support a marijuana extract if it was strictly controlled and only used in treatment of illness that the extract will help. I would want to see the research and a plan to control its use.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Apr 22 at 2016 11:23 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:23:10 -0400

Maj Kim Patterson Recently the limited use of a marijuana extract for treatment of epilepsy was approved and signed into law here in TX of all places. This is a positive step esp here in TX where the mere thought of legalizing any form of marijuana is deeply frowned upon. All forms of alcohol are legal in TX however.
https://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/18/texas-house-approves-legalizing-cannabis-oil-epile/

Cannabis Oil Approved for Epilepsy Patients, by Aman Batheja

Epilepsy patients in Texas suffering from seizures could get prescriptions for medicinal oils containing a non-euphoric, therapeutic component found in marijuana under a bill tentatively approved by the state House on Monday.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Apr 22 at 2016 11:24 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:24:32 -0400

23 states + DC have legalized it in some form. That is nearly half the U.S., with several more in the process of legalizing medical. It failed on the Ohio ballot, narrowly, but mainly because many pro-legal people voted against it because of the way it would be regulated, basically establishing a state sponsored corporate monopoly on MJ production. It would certainly open up a new tax revenue stream that would benefit states like Kansas. Until the federal government removes it from the schedule 1 list, the old fashioned stigma will remain in the typical "conservative" states.

Response by CW3 Stephen Bacon made Apr 22 at 2016 11:30 AM

CW3 Stephen Bacon — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:30:54 -0400

Ma'am:
So, here is my opinion and observation.

I personally don't care. IF it does not have an adverse affect upon me (I include people I know in this) I have no worries. I don't care what people do in their own privacy, and with their bodies. However, when some stoned kid or adult rams their vehicle into me, then I have a problem and so will they. (Currently, since passing MJ in Colorado, impaired driving is up 30%)

While I can pretty much tell you are rather liberal, case in point your tidbit on Darwin. I have no issue with that being taught, as long as creationism is as well.

Legalizing a drug is not going to help financially (we are seeing this in hospital costs since Colorado legalized it) If you want more money for schools, jails, etc... I could tell you that in EVERY school district across the nation, there are FAR too many administrators. How about we eliminate some of those folks as well?

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Apr 22 at 2016 11:55 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:55:06 -0400

A summary of the Center's clinical trials, published in 2012 in the Open Neurology Journal, concluded: "Evidence is accumulating that cannabinoids may be useful medicine for certain indications. ... The classification of marijuana as a Schedule I drug as well as the continuing controversy as to whether or not cannabis is of medical value are obstacles to medical progress in this area. Based on evidence currently available the Schedule I classification is not tenable; it is not accurate that cannabis has no medical value, or that information on safety is lacking."

Around the globe, similarly controlled trials are also taking place. A 2010 review by researchers in Germany reports that since 2005 there have been 37 controlled studies assessing the safety and efficacy of marijuana and its naturally occurring compounds in a total of 2,563 subjects. By contrast, many FDA-approved drugs go through far fewer trials involving far fewer subjects. In fact, according a 2014 review paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the median number of pivotal trials performed prior to FDA drug approval is no more than two and over one-third of newly approved pharmaceuticals are brought to market on the basis of only a single pivotal trial.

As clinical research into the therapeutic value of cannabinoids has proliferated so too has investigators' understanding of cannabis' remarkable capability to combat disease. Whereas researchers in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s primarily assessed cannabis' ability to temporarily alleviate various disease symptoms -- such as the nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy -- scientists today are exploring the potential role of cannabinoids to modify disease.

Of particular interest, scientists are investigating cannabinoids' capacity to moderate autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as their role in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's disease.) In 2009, the American Medical Association (AMA) resolved "that marijuana's status as a federal Schedule I controlled substance be reviewed with the goal of facilitating the conduct of clinical research and development of cannabinoid-based medicines."

Investigators are also studying the anti-cancer activities of cannabis, as a growing body of preclinical and clinical data concludes that cannabinoids can reduce the spread of specific cancer cells via apoptosis (programmed cell death) and by the inhibition of angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels).

Researchers are also exploring the use of cannabis as a harm reduction alternative for chronic pain patients. According to the findings of a 2015 study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, a non-partisan think-tank, "[S]tates permitting medical marijuana dispensaries experience a relative decrease in both opioid addictions and opioid overdose deaths compared to states that do not." The NBER findings are similar to those published in 2014 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine which also reported that the enactment of statewide medicinal marijuana laws is associated with significantly lower state-level opioid overdose mortality rates. "States with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 percent lower mean annual opioid overdose mortality rate compared with states without medical cannabis laws," researchers concluded. Specifically, they determined that overdose deaths from opioids decreased by an average of 20 percent one year after the law's implementation, 25 percent by two years, and up to 33 percent by years five and s

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 22 at 2016 12:07 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 12:07:52 -0400

Legalize it so I can smoke and listen to Rush!

Response by SGT Alfred Martin made Apr 22 at 2016 1:58 PM

SGT Alfred Martin — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 13:58:53 -0400

I think it should be legal in all states for medical. I was on about 30 meds from the VA at one time in my life and now I only take 7 because I started medical marijuana... The federal gov should change the statis of marijuana for all Veterans.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Apr 22 at 2016 1:59 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 13:59:19 -0400

The issue with the whole "medical marijuana" thing is IMHO, it's always been a rather poor smoke screen (no pun intended) for illicit use. Yes, we have legit uses for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, but we also have had THC legally available for prescription use for a long time (ie Marinol) in forms that we can dose control. If we want to legalize marijuana use, then freakin' legalize it and take away all pretense.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Apr 22 at 2016 2:24 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 14:24:00 -0400

Sound more like Kansas politicians are on MJ already, man they must be high on something.

Response by PO3 James Bobiney made Apr 22 at 2016 2:59 PM

PO3 James Bobiney — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 14:59:57 -0400

It's been legal here in MT for a few years and I could get my "Green Card" in a heartbeat if I show them my VA documents for PTSD(100% Service Connected). I've also read that the VA gave the go ahead for use of it for some vets disabilities. But honestly, I'd be afraid to even get on that list for fear they'll come after my guns. Let alone just being on another list. But maybe I'm paranoid. lol

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 3:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 15:18:43 -0400

Maj Kim Patterson As I see it the problem is that any revenue that is procured through this will likely not be used to actually pay down the deficit as it is being billed to do. What is likely to happen is that they will divert it for new programs. I wish politicians would do what they say or would realize that we are looking and we do notice when they participate in this type of activity.

Response by COL David Turk made Apr 22 at 2016 3:34 PM

COL David Turk — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 15:34:36 -0400

I don't believe the VA could distribute MJ without federal approval. They are a federal entity

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Apr 22 at 2016 6:12 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 18:12:51 -0400

Maj Kim Patterson - Well, the State of Colorado reported over $23M in marijuana tax generated income in March of 2016. If one rolls back the hands of time to the first $1 generated, it's... well... a boat load of cash. But Kansas, and a lot of other states, has yet to accept that its citizens are actually using drugs. Oddly, Kansas is one of several states named as plaintiff in a class-action law suit --naming Colorado as the defendant --alleging that we're providing some sort of gate way of evil into our neighboring states. (Not to worry, we can afford the legal team.) That money is dumped directly back into our budget --with a substantial portion legally ear-marked for direct use in our education systems. So far, so good: Nobody has developed/changed their lifestyle --just have to go to a spleef-store to buy your weed. The Feds may hate it. But, they're doing nothing about it. Seems marijuana users aren't posing any immanent threats to public safety. While Kansas is just another old-fogy Red state, Colorado-based Papa Johns sales are off the charts!

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/revenue/colorado-marijuana-tax-data

Colorado Marijuana Tax Data | Department of Revenue

The marijuana tax reports are based on actual revenue collected monthly as posted in the Colorado state accounting system. Taxes for the filing period are collected the month following the close of the reporting period. For example, taxes incurred in January are collected in February.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Apr 22 at 2016 6:28 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 18:28:45 -0400

If Kansas needs the money and the politicians believe the negatives (increased DUI's, future health issues, etc) will not wipe out the initial increase in tax revenues, then they should go ahead and legalize Marijuana for recreational use. However, don't try to pass it off as medicine, which it is not, it is dishonest.

Response by SFC Carey Cox made Apr 23 at 2016 9:29 AM

SFC Carey Cox — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 09:29:11 -0400

I totally agree that MJ should be a legal prescription drug. I do not and will never agree that it should be legal for personal use. It is the gateway drug to other harder drugs and I have seen to many people destroy their life using MJ.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 23 at 2016 11:58 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 11:58:06 -0400

Hell yes! They are not doing anything else to increase Revenue to the State Coffers. Our State Government is Broke, Morally and Fiscally thanks to Tea Party Management. Bring it on. Kansas used to lead the Country in Hemp Production for Rope.

Response by A1C Melissa Jackson made Apr 23 at 2016 12:46 PM

A1C Melissa Jackson — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 12:46:22 -0400

I do not see a problem with medical marijuana AT ALL.

As someone who worked closely with people with disabilities for many years- it really DOES 0provide pain relief where even opiates (far more dangerous) cannot. It is excellent for relieving certain kinds of seizure disorder. It does provide benefit to people who have anxiety. In addition to this, it is far less-expensive and less toxic than many pharmaceuticals.

Medical use is not recreational. In fact in many cases the type of marijuana used has limited quantities of the "high" chemical THC. It has saved lives-particularly for some with medication-resistant epilepsy.

I am startled by the number of people who just howl about the possibility that if this plant were legalized people might GET HIGH! I have never even sampled the stuff, and I DONT GIVE A SH*T if someone gets high. I DO care that those who are suffering get adequate relief. Who cares?

Drinking us far more hazardous, and it kills thousands upon thousands a day. Get over the "hippie" prejudice and see the big picture.

As for Kansas fixing their budget. I don't think the addition of marijuana is the solution. It is the removal of that boil on the ass of humanity Brownback.

Response by CPL David Pendergraft made Apr 24 at 2016 2:14 PM

CPL David Pendergraft — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 14:14:42 -0400

Let the people have their Pot Meds an the state can have a new tax revenue .

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Apr 25 at 2016 7:51 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 19:51:40 -0400

Yes they should. Absofrickinglutly. Go Shockers!

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Apr 25 at 2016 7:56 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 19:56:37 -0400

Generally I had more trouble with my alcoholics than I did my potheads. Alcohol is a gateway drug and a gateway to a shit ton of extremely stupid stuff, much that can be fatal.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Apr 26 at 2016 10:01 AM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 10:01:53 -0400

Unfortunately, legalizing it won't help with the budget because the feds still see it as a level 1 narcotic & therefore the state can't legally tax it & use the revenue. Why? They'd have to explain where the $$$ came from during their audits.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made May 3 at 2016 6:00 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Tue, 03 May 2016 18:00:22 -0400

In today's issue of "Forensic News Daily" the following was published.

"After Legalizing Pot, Teens Still Get ‘Easy’ Access
Tue, 05/03/2016 - 12:02pm
Sean Allocca, Editor
Get today's news and top headlines for forensics professionals - Sign up now!
(Shutterstock)
(Shutterstock)

Marijuana has long been the drug du jour among teenagers across the country, and for good reason—it continues to be the most easily accessible.

Washington State researchers wanted to discover if legalizing marijuana use for some adults in 2014, had made the drug even easier for young people to get their hands on.

Which innovative new product has been a game-changer this year? Tell us & win! Learn More
Although surprising, the team found no correlation—and in fact, a strikingly similar percentage of teens reported that marijuana was “easy” to access in 2010 (54 percent) compared to 2014 (54 percent) when the new laws were enacted, according to the study.

Andrew Adesman is the chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York. He said the findings are both “surprising and reassuring.”

“It was interesting and somewhat concerning, though, that while teens responded that it was harder to access cigarettes, alcohol, and psychoactive drugs in 2014 compared to 4 years earlier, they didn't report increased difficulty in obtaining marijuana during that same time period,” Adesman said in a written statement.

Another drug study from the University of Pittsburgh tried to compare high drug-trafficking areas to increased drug overdose deaths, with similarly negligible results. Researchers found no link between the two, suggesting that drugs come into the US in high trafficking areas, and are quickly dispersed throughout the country, appearing to pass right through border towns.

US authorities seized a cross-border tunnel in San Diego late last month. The San Diego operation uncovered an 874-yard-long tunnel that netted upwards of seven tons of marijuana—in addition to 2,240 pounds of cocaine. "

Response by CW4 Kenneth Berninger made May 10 at 2016 7:52 AM

CW4 Kenneth Berninger — Tue, 10 May 2016 07:52:34 -0400

I am retired now but wish I would have been able to partake of it sooner. I am moving to Colorado soon.

Response by MSgt Chaz Irvine made May 13 at 2016 1:00 PM

MSgt Chaz Irvine — Fri, 13 May 2016 13:00:43 -0400

Have you seen the rate at which people are becoming addicted to prescribed opiate drugs?
"Since 1999, the number of overdose deaths from pain medications has increased by 300 percent."
That is 'Fact' #7 (http://www.addictions.com/opiate/10-opiate-addiction-statistics/)
Doctors are giving out pain medication like candy, while politicians (who have absolutely no medical expertise) are passing laws saying medical use of THC based drugs are 'Bad'???
Why are our 'Law Makers' making laws based on opinion versus 'Science' concerning this matter? Further more, any 'OPIATE' is more likely to induce addiction than THC based drugs, and are far more harmful based on the amount of deaths we are seeing from their use.
Our country needs to put their 100 year old bias aside and look at the 'FACTS' not what is being pushed upon them by 'Special Interest' groups.
The sound use of THC based medications, 'NOT' selling marijuana to be smoked (that brings on the same issues as smoking cigarettes), is not something that should be dismissed because of where the drug (THC) comes from!

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Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Jun 3 at 2016 7:08 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 19:08:18 -0400

I am all for making marijuana totally legal for whatever purpose. We have wasted billions trying to enforce drug laws that are unenforceable and filled up our jails and prisons with people who really shouldn't be there. It would seem that by now we would have learned that banning marijuana is about as effective as banning alcohol or sex.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 13 at 2017 9:19 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 09:19:29 -0400

Any movement on this proposal to date?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 4:19 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 04:19:58 -0500

I too am in Kansas and believe it would be a huge budget boost, as well as the aforementioned dropping of costs and paperwork. It could be a amazing tool for rebuilding the roads out here as well as improving schools, hospitals and the myriad of things that need improvement in this state. I have always been a staunch supporter since I returned from my second deployment for vastly improving my ability to sleep and calm myself from what many see as pointless 'triggers that seem very valid in the moment. While it is not as good as legal MJ state options, CBD is legal (and is already produced by our brains, so outlawing it is pointless and it won't show on any tests) and helps to calm the body. Beware of cheap or ineffective products. Thorough research is always a good idea

Response by SSG Jack Scott made Oct 14 at 2022 8:35 PM

SSG Jack Scott — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 20:35:09 -0400

Yes let’s take the liberal way out Decriminalize everything including, cocaine, hash and heroin! It’s done wonders for Portland!