#ksleg

Politicians And Government Agencies Mark 4/20 As Marijuana Legalization Movement Expands

Bob Marley
Apr 20, 2023
7 min read

Lawmakers and government bodies across the U.S. are again noting—and in some cases openly celebrating—the unofficial marijuana holiday 4/20, with numerous posts touting past reform accomplishments and pledges to continue working to advance the issue.

While Thursday is a time of celebration within the cannabis community, politicians have increasingly used it as a platform to advocate for more reform. That’s no different this year, and top congressional lawmakers are even speaking about the issue at a first-of-its-kind event inside the Capitol Building on the holiday.

Officials at various stages of government are playing into the culture. The list of lawmakers and agencies that use 4/20 to talk about marijuana policy has expanded year-over-year, underscoring how the legalization movement has helped shift marijuana from a controversial taboo to an accepted societal norm.

Here’s what politicians, office-seekers and federal agencies are saying on 4/20 this year:

Federal agencies

Want to learn more about FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products? Information for consumers, regulatory resources, and questions and answers are available on our website.

Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/HHnyUTX0Cl

#420 pic.twitter.com/5TRKaLTvwm

— FDA Drug Information (@FDA_Drug_Info) April 20, 2023

Today’s 4/20! So, here are a few rather sticky #TBT finds. Weed like to remind everyone that your high heals remain illegal under federal law except for products that contain no more than 0.3% THC. Blunter info can be found here: https://t.co/mpDMAVe7lq#ProhibitedItemsWeekpic.twitter.com/wQaHLMRRcH

— TSA (@TSA) April 20, 2023

Before you light up to celebrate #420day, know the risks. Cannabis use has been linked to mental illness. To learn more about the dangers associated with cannabis use, visit https://t.co/soW9ErUIr1

— @DEALouisville (@dealouisville) April 20, 2023

Members of Congress and national political parties

Time to be blunt, the passage of the #SAFEbankingAct, which has passed the House w/bipartisan support multiple times, is long overdue. Congress needs to act now to allow legal cannabis biz's to have access to banking services. #Safe420pic.twitter.com/jPTguBf6Dd

— U.S. House Committee on Financial Services (@FSCDems) April 20, 2023

It’s 4/20! And that means we’ve got #hemp on our mind. Industrial hemp is a cannabis plant that has a tiny bit of THC in it—so low that it’s better for industrial purposes than for smoking. Hemp can be used to produce rope, textiles, biofuel, and even car parts! Whoa, dude. pic.twitter.com/vlHCtA1Awt

— House Agriculture Committee Democrats (@HouseAgDems) April 20, 2023

Across the country, support for cannabis legalization has never been higher.

I spoke at the Cannabis Policy Summit about how the Senate is continuing to work on cannabis legislation that helps reverse decades of harm inflicted on communities of color by the War on Drugs. #420Daypic.twitter.com/Ct3cmQrghA

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 20, 2023

https://twitter.com/GOP/status/1649073962490396673

There are Americans who are struggling to find jobs, apply for loans, secure housing, and even get food stamps, just because of a marijuana-related charge on their record. As so many states have legalized marijuana, we must also expunge records and legalize nationwide. pic.twitter.com/Nf8sHBMDrv

— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) April 20, 2023

Happy 420 to all who continue to fight unjust laws, and the majority of Americans they represent.

— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) April 20, 2023

It’s 4:20 on 4/20. That’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/eG34QREjzP

— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) April 20, 2023

This 4/20 I want everyone to think about the 20,000 Pennsylvanians who get arrested each year bc weed STILL isn't legal.

I always have and always will fight for legal weed & ending the racist War on Drugs.

LEGAL WEED FOR PA + USA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/zEKUIbdsWQ

— Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) April 20, 2023

Happy 4/20, Colorado! The HUGE success of our state’s legal cannabis industry has made us a national model. We’ve got a lot to be proud of and a lot more to do.

Next stop: federal legalization!

— Senator John Hickenlooper (@SenatorHick) April 20, 2023

The prohibition of marijuana has cost taxpayers billions of dollars and has resulted in the unnecessary criminalization of millions of Americans, particularly people of color. It’s time to decriminalize marijuana at the federal level.

— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) April 20, 2023

It's #420day, but you know who can't celebrate? People in prison for senseless marijuana charges.

It's way past time to end the war on drugs and invest in the communities of color impacted most by it.

— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) April 20, 2023

Marijuana should be legal and all records should be expunged.

We need to end the War on Drugs.

— Rep. Ro Khanna (@RepRoKhanna) April 21, 2023

The federal prohibition of cannabis has disproportionately harmed people of color. Bills I have led including the #CLIMBAct addresses not only the penal inequities but the financial inequity in the industry. It’s time for #CannabisReform. #420day

— Congressman Troy A. Carter (@RepTroyCarter) April 20, 2023

Marijuana legalization is an economic and racial justice issue, and federal action is long overdue!

Let’s decriminalize, legalize, expunge records, and invest in the communities of color that have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs.

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) April 20, 2023

The War on Drugs has devastated communities and destroyed families.

My Drug Policy Reform Act, which I introduced with @RepCori, would put an end to the War on Drugs and approach drug abuse as a Public Health issue not a criminal issue. #420dayhttps://t.co/81UVhNtjMshttps://t.co/ZZm494JzVA

— Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (@RepBonnie) April 20, 2023

Your #420day reminder that we need to:

—Legalize marijuana —Expunge records —Promote equity in the cannabis industry —End the racist War on Drugs —& so much more

This is a racial & economic justice issue.

— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) April 20, 2023

I believe we should:

✅ Legalize cannabis

✅ Tax it fairly so our communities can benefit

✅ Let VA providers recommend and prescribe marijuana to help treat PTSD and chronic pain

Let’s puff, puff, pass legislation to make it happen.

— Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) April 20, 2023

Decriminalize marijuana.

Release those incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses.

Expunge marijuana-related offenses from records.

Happy 4-20!

— Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) April 20, 2023

No one should be in jail or have a criminal record for using marijuana. Period.

— Rep. Alma Adams (@RepAdams) April 20, 2023

Happy 4/20 to all who celebrate! To mark the occasion we need to legalize marijuana AND make the industry more accessible to those who have been unjustly criminalized at its hands so that Black and brown communities aren’t being incarcerated while others are making millions 🍃💨

— Congressman Jamaal Bowman (@RepBowman) April 20, 2023

Happy 4/20! Your reminder that marijuana should be legal nationwide, and not a single American should be locked up on its account.

— Yvette D. Clarke (@RepYvetteClarke) April 21, 2023

Today is a great day to remember that @potus issued an executive order pardoning non-violent cannabis-related offenses (& that the Senate should pass the #MOREAct to federally decriminalize cannabis) so the communities affected by the failed war on drugs can begin to rebuild! pic.twitter.com/fh9LoDtoUo

— Sara Jacobs (@SaraJacobsCA) April 20, 2023

Happy 4/20.

Black folks in PA are about 5x more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than white counterparts.

It's time to legalize cannabis, expunge all marijuana convictions, and release everyone incarcerated on non-violent marijuana-related charges.

— Congresswoman Summer Lee (@RepSummerLee) April 20, 2023

State and local agencies

Cannabis is legal in NYS, but only for people 21 and older. It can have lasting effects on younger people, including diminished cognitive development, athletic performance and more. If you celebrate 4/20, do so responsibly. #StartlowGoslow#Cannabisawarenesspic.twitter.com/1sN51x80TE

— NYS OASAS (@NYSOASAS) April 20, 2023

The safety of Coloradans is always a top priority. In preparation for 4/20, our Marijuana Enforcement Division has compiled a handy guide with reminders and tips to help businesses and customers stay safe and compliant with Colorado law. https://t.co/V8JDLI0E0wpic.twitter.com/UIpwHSknmC

— CO Dept. of Revenue (@CO_Revenue) April 20, 2023

Happy Holidaze, New York!

From, The OCM team . .#NYcannabis#420day

— NYS Office of Cannabis Management (@nys_cannabis) April 20, 2023

State and local elected officials and political parties

It’s 4/20! Here’s a reminder that: ✅ Marijuana should be legalized. ❌ Republicans refuse to legalize it despite 64% of Wisconsinites wanting legal weed.

— Wisconsin Democrats (@WisDems) April 20, 2023

Let Texas Flourish! 🤠

Together, we can legalize, expunge and invest back into our communities. #txlege

Show your support for cannabis legalization in Texas: https://t.co/PJc5EyGDuM#420daypic.twitter.com/z4WHDImTkW

— Texas Democrats (@texasdemocrats) April 20, 2023

Today is a good day to remind Republicans that Montanans overwhelmingly support using marijuana tax revenue to fund Habitat Montana Programs that protect and fund our public lands. Habitat is a boon for the state. Let's keep it that way. #mtpolpic.twitter.com/Z56QOYFDjW

— Montana Democratic Party (@MTDems) April 20, 2023

RELEASE: Kansas House Democrats Demand Action on Cannabis Amnesty Before the End of 2023 Legislative Session #ksleg #MMJ pic.twitter.com/yMOWMxEgCl

— Kansas House Democrats (@KSHouseDems) April 20, 2023

🍃 Let’s be blunt. IN is surrounded by states reaping the benefits of legal marijuana.

We forced a vote to legalize it & bring in more tax $ & benefits for chronically ill Hoosiers.

When House Republicans say “no,” House Dems say “Yes, we cannabis.”https://t.co/Ehw1HjB9vG pic.twitter.com/MP0bPZO5WQ

— Indiana House Democrats (@inhsedems) April 20, 2023

🌿Take it from Rep. @SummersH99: it’s high time we legalize cannabis in Indiana.https://t.co/iPyJKWikgi pic.twitter.com/8x3Xhy5xPs

— Indiana House Democrats (@inhsedems) April 20, 2023

In all seriousness, it's high time we legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania. Folks are still being punished for their nonviolent marijuana use + our policies are long overdue for reform.

Sign our petition to call on legislators in Harrisburg to legalize it: https://t.co/X0m0NgchZV

— PA House Dems (@PAHDCC) April 20, 2023

Two of the states that haven’t legalized cannabis yet are Delaware and Minnesota – but Democratic legislators in those states are working to do exactly that right now. https://t.co/oH7Eqx3fLP

— Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (@DLCC) April 20, 2023

There are only 10 states where cannabis hasn’t been legalized or decriminalized – and all of them are run by Republican legislatures. And of the 19 states that still permit jail time for possession of small amounts of cannabis, 18 of them have GOP legislatures.

— Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (@DLCC) April 20, 2023

Happy 420 day everyone! pic.twitter.com/4OvkgloCsn

— L. Louise Lucas (@SenLouiseLucas) April 20, 2023

Happy 4/20 Tennesseans!! I will continue to fight for marijuana decriminalization and legalization in this state! Well over half the states in our county have medical or recreational marijuana. It’s time Tennessee catches up and create a new tax revenue! #LegalizeTheSmoke #420

— Senator London Lamar (@SenatorLamar) April 20, 2023

With the passage of Ohio House Bill SB 288, my administration will be able to expunge 4,077 low level marijuana misdemeanors. We’re removing barriers to employment and re-entry to work towards balancing the scales of justice. #420day pic.twitter.com/CbT5hTgTIn

— Justin M. Bibb (@JustinMBibb) April 20, 2023

Don’t forget, this week is a Medical Cannabis sales tax holiday thanks to my and @CMMcDuffie’s Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022….

…not that today has any significance, but just ICYMI.

Read the details of the law here: https://t.co/8rO0zP7wDM

— Phil Mendelson (@ChmnMendelson) April 20, 2023

Brands and advocacy organizations are also getting in on the celebration again this year, promoting various campaigns and products to mark the day.

Kansas Senators Shelve Medical Marijuana Legalization Bill After Hearing From Law Enforcement Opponents

Bob Marley
Mar 16, 2023
6 min read

Kansas senators have shelved a bill to legalize medical marijuana following a hearing that featured multiple opponents, including state law enforcement representatives.

Members of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee voted on Thursday to table the legislation, which the panel itself is sponsoring. Following the action, Chairman Mike Thompson (R) said that lawmakers have “bigger fish to fry,” indicating that he’s not interested in taking the proposal back up before the end of the 2023 session.

Officials with the Kansas Sheriffs Association, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics were among those who testified against the medical cannabis measure.

Opponents raised concerns about issues such as impaired driving, medical marijuana access in prisons and violent crime allegedly linked to cannabis.

The Oklahoma narcotics agent also argued that his state’s vote against an adult-use legalization initiative at the ballot last week reflected public concern with the existing medical cannabis program.

Stephen Howe, district attorney for Johnson County, alleged that the vast majority of murders and shootings that take place in Kansas are related to marijuana. He said that the legislation “really deeply concerned me from a public health and public safety” standpoint.

Sen. Rick Kloos (R), vice chair of the committee, said during Thursday’s hearing that he was previously a proponent of medical marijuana reform but his perspective has shifted. He apologized to his family and constituents for being “wrong” about the issue in the past.

Lawmakers “have to make these hard decisions because we hear the heartfelt testimonies, and yet we have to look at the facts,” he said.

—Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,000 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they don’t miss any developments.Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.—

Thompson, chair of the committee, told reporters after the vote to table that there are many “questions that go unanswered” with respect to the medical cannabis legislation.

“We’ve got bigger fish to fry at this point,” he said, according to The Topeka Capital-Journal. “This bill wasn’t a serious bill to begin with.”

Prior to the vote to table the bill, Sen. Chase Blasi (R) brought up an amendment that would have reduced the allowable THC potency in medical cannabis edibles—but what was usurped by Sen. Alicia Straub’s (R) intervention to shelve the legislation altogether.

Thursday’s hearing was the second that the committee held this week. Supporters and neutral parties, including representatives of state agencies, testified on the legislation on Wednesday.

The panel also held two hearings featuring numerous opponents testifying on the general topic of marijuana reform earlier this month.

Thompson said that he felt it was important to dedicate meetings for the opposing perspective because supporters were given the chance to weigh in on an earlier version of the legislation during a series of special committee hearings last year.

In 2021, a medical cannabis bill passed the House but stalled out in the Senate.

Kansas House Democrats on Thursday tweeted a “friendly reminder the house passed medical marijuana already!”

“We have just been waitin’ on the senate to get it together,” the minority caucus said.

friendly reminder the house passed medical marijuana already!!

we have just been waitin' on the senate to get it together!!! #ksleg#mmjhttps://t.co/JE0nnRVKcOpic.twitter.com/3AXkEGMKJz

— Kansas House Democrats (@KSHouseDems) March 16, 2023

Senate President Ty Masterson (R) previously said that he expected bills and hearings on the issue this year, and a spokesperson said that the senator understands that perspectives are “maturing” on medical marijuana—though the spokesperson also said the issue is “not a priority.”

Here are the main components of the Kansas medical marijuana legalization bill, SB 135:

Patients would be able to buy and possess up to a 30-day supply of cannabis (at least three ounces) from licensed dispensaries.

Smoking and vaping marijuana products would be prohibited.

Patients could receive a medical cannabis recommendation from a doctor for one of 21 conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple sclerosis and chronic pain.

Regulators would be authorized to add conditions to the list, and the bill also lays out the process for people to petition for new qualifying conditions.

The penalty for possessing up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis would be reduced for people who aren’t registered, making the offense punishable by a $400 fine if they provide a doctor’s recommendation for medical marijuana.

There’s also a reciprocity section providing legal protections for people who are registered medical marijuana patients in other states.

The Health and Environment Department would be responsible for regulating the patient-facing aspects of the program, including issuing medical cannabis identification cards.

A Division of Alcohol and Cannabis Control would be tasked with overseeing the licensing of medical marijuana cultivation facilities, laboratories, processors, distributors and retailers.

A Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee would be established under the department to advise on the implementation and enforcement of the marijuana program.

Registration-related fines and fees would go into a Medical Cannabis Registration Fund, with those dollars supporting the costs of implementing the program.

Regulators would have until January 1, 2025 to adopt rules for registering patients, issuing medical cannabis cards, licensing businesses, defining what a 30-day supply of marijuana would be and more.

Medical marijuana products would be taxed at 10 percent.

After covering administrative costs for the program, tax revenue would go to a local medical cannabis enforcement fund (20 percent) and a statewide enforcement fund (10 percent, or up to $2.5 million per year). The rest would support the general fund.

Marijuana products could not exceed 35 percent THC for flower; 60 percent for tinctures, oils and concentrates; 3.5 grams for edibles and 10 milligrams for patches.

There would be a petition process for regulators to consider adding other approved methods of consumption to the program.

Licensing fines and fees would go to a “Medical Cannabis Business Regulation Fund” that supports “payment or reimbursement of costs related to the regulation and enforcement of the cultivation, testing, distributing, possession, processing and sale of medical cannabis.”

The legislation also authorizes the state to enter into intergovernmental agreements with Indian tribes to allow medical cannabis businesses within their territory.

In her annual State of the State address in January, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) said that there’s a “commonsense way to improve health care here in Kansas—and that’s to finally legalize medical marijuana.”

She cited a recent example of a terminally ill man whose hospital room was raided by police and who was given a later-rescinded citation to appear in court over possession of a cannabis vape and extract that he was using to treat serious pain. That man has since passed away.

That story prompted a renewed call for reform from Kansas Democrats, who’ve worked to advance medical marijuana legalization in recent sessions but haven’t been able to get it enacted.

Meanwhile, members of the Special Committee on Medical Marijuana held their final meeting in December as they worked to prepare legislation for the 2023 session.

The panel, which toured a Missouri cannabis cultivation facility late last year as part of their work, went over the wide range of issues that they’ve been discussing with officials and experts in recent months.

Further complicating efforts to enact reform this session is the fact that Sen. Robert Olsen (R), who put significant time into studying medical cannabis as a leader of the special panel, was replaced this session as chair of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, which introduced this latest bill and has jurisdiction over it.

Also, Rep. John Barker (R), who worked on the issue as chair of the House Federal and State Affairs Committee, lost his primary bid last year and is no longer in the legislature.

Then-House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer (D) and Assistant Minority Leader Jason Probst (D) said last year that they wanted to let voters decide on legalizing medical and adult-use marijuana in the state.

The governor, for her part, previously pushed a separate proposal that would legalize medical cannabis and use the resulting revenue to support Medicaid expansion, with Rep. Brandon Woodard (D) filing the measure on the governor’s behalf.

Kelly has she said she wants voters to put pressure on their representatives to get the reform passed.

Following President Joe Biden’s announcement on pardoning people who’ve committed federal marijuana possession offenses and imploring governors to follow suit, Kelly said that her administration is “focused on legalizing medical marijuana so that Kansans with severe illnesses no longer have to suffer.

She added that they will “continue to consider all clemency and pardon requests based on a complete and thorough review of the individual cases.”

The governor also said in 2020 that while she wouldn’t personally advocate for adult-use legalization, she wouldn’t rule out signing the reform into law if a reform bill arrived on her desk.

New Hampshire House Votes To Legalize Marijuana With No Regulations Or Limitations

Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan.

Kansas Governor Blasts ‘Ridiculous’ Medical Marijuana Ban In Annual Speech, With GOP Senate Leader Committing To Hearings

Bob Marley
Jan 25, 2023
5 min read

The governor of Kansas came out strongly against the state’s ongoing criminalization of medical marijuana on Tuesday, blasting the “ridiculous” laws that criminalize patients. And following the speech, a top GOP senator whose been skeptical about reform committed to at least holding hearings on the issue this session.

In her annual State of the State address, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) said that there’s a “commonsense way to improve health care here in Kansas—and that’s to finally legalize medical marijuana.”

Because we haven't yet legalized medical marijuana, every day, thousands of Kansans are forced to choose between breaking the law and living more comfortably. It’s an unbearable choice – and an unnecessary one. #ksleg#SOTS

— Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) January 25, 2023

“We all know that was ridiculous,” Kelly said. “This is not to blame the police—the police were just enforcing the law. That means the law itself is ridiculous.”

The governor said that the situation reminded her of an an op-ed that a different patient—a self-described conservative and military veteran who was battling cancer—wrote last year, addressing the state Senate and urging action. The man, Dave Auble, refused to try marijuana to ease his symptoms because he didn’t want to break the law, and he died weeks after the op-ed was published.

A fried of Auble’s was present in the legislative chamber during Kelly’s speech, and he received a standing ovation from lawmakers when the governor acknowledged him.

“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,” Kelly said. “Let’s do better in Dave’s honor. In honor of the kids experiencing multiple seizures per day. In honor of veterans suffering with PTSD. Let’s make Kansans’ lives better, and let’s do it right now.”

A growing majority of physicians believe medical marijuana should be part of pain management and palliative care. Every day, thousands of Kansans are forced to choose between breaking the law and living more comfortably. It’s an unbearable choice – and an unnecessary one. #ksleg

— Kansas Dems (@KansasDems) January 25, 2023

“That’s not to say that legalizing medical marijuana won’t be complex. Of course it will,” she continued. “We’ll need to put in place effective safeguards to ensure that it’s used appropriately and that it’s not abused. But I believe, like with everything else, if you and I work together, we can find a fair and commonsense solution.”

“Thirty-nine other states have figured this out. Surely, Kansas can too.”

After the speech, Senate President Ty Masterson (R) held a press conference where he addressed the governor’s call for medical cannabis legalization.

He was dismissive of the stories that Kelly shared about patients, calling one an “interesting example,” but not one that necessarily moves the needle for him. “I’m not going to be shamed into doing it from some bad examples.”

That said, he acknowledged that there’s a “role for potential palliative care,” and “there’s gonna be bills, there’s gonna be hearings.”

That’s notable given Masterson’s resistance on the issue. A spokesperson for the Senate president said last year that medical cannabis reform is “not a priority,” though they acknowledged that the issue was “maturing.”

The story of the man whose hospital room was raided over cannabis also prompted a renewed call for reform from Kansas Democrats, who’ve worked to advance medical marijuana legalization in recent sessions but haven’t been able to get it enacted.

Now is the time to legalize medical marijuana in Kansas. During this upcoming legislative session, we must pass a bill to support Kansans suffering from chronic illnesses. #ksleg#SOTS

— Kansas Senate Democrats (@kssenatedems) January 25, 2023

The Kansas House of Representatives approved a medical marijuana bill in 2021, but it later stalled in the Senate. The latter chamber did hold hearings on the issue, however.

Members of a special committee held a final meeting on medical marijuana issues last month with the intent of informing reform legislation that’s expected to be introduced in this session.

The Special Committee on Medical Marijuana, members of which toured a Missouri cannabis cultivation facility last month as part of their work, went over the wide range of issues that they’ve been discussing with officials and experts in recent months.

The bicameral committee, which was formed in June, convened for an initial meeting in October that involved state officials, law enforcement and an Oklahoma medical cannabis regulator giving their perspective on the issue.

Potentially complicating efforts to enact reform this session is the fact that Sen. Robert Olsen (R), who put significant time into studying medical cannabis as a leader of the special panel, was replaced this session as chair of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over the issue.