What we know about cannabis history: it was never banned because it was dangerous.
Cannabis has documented safe use over thousands of years. Cannabis prohibition was a farce from the beginning. (Cato Institute)
1850-1930- cannabis was grown and manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. It was listed in the US pharmacopeia and was commonly prescribed by US physicians for 100 illness and conditions.
1932-Harry Anslinger was appointed the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. He started a well-documented, focused fear campaign against people of color and against cannabis. (CBS News, PBS)
1937- Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. Rather than an outright ban, the law imposed severe taxation, fines, and registration rules that effectively criminalized possession and distribution nationwide. The American Medical Association historically protested the federal restriction and effective banning of cannabis. (Boston Political Review, Project CBD)
1970 Cannabis was banned federally by President Nixon and placed on schedule one. Nixon appointed the Shafer Commission to study the drug, their findings showed cannabis was not dangerous they recommended decriminalizing personal cannabis possession in 1972, but because this did not fit the narrative Nixon wanted, he ignored the advice and kept the ban in place.
How can we evaluate the information we hear about cannabis?
Information given about cannabis especially medical cannabis should be substantiated by data and studies that support what the person is saying. Researchers have published over well over 35,000 scientific studies on cannabis and marijuana over the past decade, with over 4,000 papers published in 2024 alone.
When looking at studies remember to look at study bias. Who paid for the study? Did the study have a good sample size or were the study conclusions drawn on a few people? We have seen some amazing claims against using cannabis and the study was based on just a few people’s experiences. Was it peer reviewed? Was it a retrospective chart review or a medical record review?
Why is there so much pushback on legalizing medical cannabis in Kansas?
Ask this question. Who has the most to lose if cannabis is legalized?
Drug companies do - because people often times are able to decrease or stop taking pharmaceuticals when using cannabis.
Law Enforcement does. Civil asset forfeiture in Kansas allows law enforcement to seize cash, vehicles, or property suspected of involvement in criminal activity, even if the owner is never charged with or convicted of a crime.
In 2025 there were 5,529 arrest for cannabis possession and sales. Some cities in Kansas have decriminalized having small amounts of cannabis. This has allowed Law Enforcement to free up jail space, court dockets and spend more time on other crimes.
Polls continue to show that the majority of Kansans want access to cannabis. Legislators continue to ignore the will of the people. It is common knowledge that millions of dollars are being spent in surrounding states purchasing cannabis that is brought back in the state. Cannabis is here and being used further supporting that prohibiting it's use is not working.
Legislators have a lack of knowledge about cannabis and have bias that remains from old inaccurate “war against drugs” information. What we knew about cannabis years ago is not what we know now. Studies and data are updated constantly and sadly that information lacking when cannabis bill hearings are done. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson has stated on the record that he will not allow a cannabis legalization bill to come to a vote in the Senate as long as he holds power. : Masterson has consistently blocked medical and recreational marijuana proposals in the Kansas Legislature, referring to broad legalization efforts as a "nonstarter".
Why is there so much fear mongering by opponents of medical cannabis?
Opponents are often brought in from other states during committee hearings offering tales of shortcomings of their programs inferring this will happen in Kansas. What they leave out are the facts that their programs did not have proper oversight or management. They often offer information that is not entirely accurate. Kansas is in a unique position being one of the LAST states in the union to have no access to cannabis. Being one of the last to legalize cannabis we are able to create a medical cannabis program that fits our needs taking into account the successes and mistakes other states have made. Oklahoma made a huge mistake passing the most unregulated programs in the nation. This should not reflect on Kansas and our ability to pass a regulated program with proper oversight.
What don’t many of the Kansas Legislators understand about cannabis?
Misunderstanding and misinformation about basic cannabis plant constituents and product types available on the market has continued throughout the legislative body for over a decade. Advocates have worked tirelessly to educate legislators that were receptive to current information. At committee meetings national researchers and physician experts have been brought in to offer the latest information relating to cannabis science and treatment of patients. Personal bias and misinformation during testimony given by opponents has often been incorrect, outdated and unsupported by current data, scientific studies. Nationally, cannabis education for healthcare professionals has continued to expand in published studies, clinical textbooks for physicians and nurses, as well as patient education including safe use.
DEA admits prohibition is not useful.
“Marijuana Moment notes a contradiction in the DEA's narrative. While the agency blames legalization for enabling illicit activity, it also acknowledges that continued prohibition in non-legal states helps fuel demand on the black market.”
Seniors are the largest group of new users. Safe use education and access to cannabis trained healthcare workers is not readily available because of prohibition. This is a huge disservice to seniors.
Today's cannabis has an average THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) potency that is vastly higher than the levels found in the marijuana of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. In the 1970s, typical marijuana flower contained roughly 2% to 4% THC. Today's standard plant strains commonly test between 15% and 30% THC, representing a multi-fold increase. Why is this? The recreational market demanded higher THC content. While THC has climbed, levels of CBD (cannabidiol) the non-intoxicating compound often decreased or remained low in high-THC strains.
Facts we know about cannabis overconsumption
When comparing toxic threshold doses, cannabis is significantly safer than many legal and prescription substances. A study published in Scientific Reports found cannabis to be roughly 114 times less deadly than alcohol relative to typical user doses. Unlike opioids, cannabis carries a much lower risk of severe physical dependence and zero risk of respiratory depression.
Legislators fear what they don’t understand. THC percentage limits can be dictated in specific products. Cannabis can only be legally consumed by state licensed patients. Diversion of cannabis to unlicensed people can carry penalties just as not securing it from minors can. Medical supervision and patient education increases successful safe use of cannabis. The synergy of using whole plant cannabis vs single compounds is preferred by consumers. Terpenes present in whole plant cannabis play a very important part in its healing effects. Statewide education about cannabis enhances public safety. A well-run program has growing and manufacturing oversight and monitoring built in. Products are certified pure and free from harmful substances not allowed by state law, and will be labeled so consumers know exactly what their products are made of. There should be access to all forms of cannabis to meet patient needs. Cannabis is not a “one size fits all” dose, product or plant cultivar.
Some of our favorite studies
An Evidence-Based Overview Related to Cannabis Constituents
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