Just to the west of Kansas is Colorado, which became the first in the United States to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Crossing one state line represents a huge divide when it comes to how the states and their politicians view weed and its effects on society.
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While a small victory was recently achieved for those who want the drug embraced for medicinal and industrial purposes, Kansas still does not allow marijuana to be consumed legally in its borders.
The following are four quotes from elected officials after pot failed to become legal in Kansas.
1. “We have to get this done. Everyone in this Capitol knows that one day, one day, medical marijuana will be available in every one of the 50 states. We know that. The question is… will Kansas be the 24th state or the 50th?”
Sen. David Haley (D-Kansas City) told this to a crowd in the Capitol rotunda in January, according to the Wichita Eagle. He has tried to pass a medical marijuana bill in each year since 2009 with no success.
2. “It’s about getting voices heard. It’s about getting the data. It’s about getting over the stigma. I mean, my goodness gracious, alcohol was considered evil for quite a time in Kansas history. Let’s start a dialogue. Let’s start a conversation.”
Rep. J. Basil Dannebohm (R-Ellinwood) was quoted in the Wichita Eagle as saying that he is not concerned with breaking party lines in supporting legislation for medical marijuana. He said he is in favor of it because one time, he met with a constituent whose son suffered from severe seizures. Though the mother and son tried other medicine, it didn’t work, and medical marijuana was their last hope.
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3. “I’ve got a lot of other things on my radar screen that are a lot more important.”
House Speaker Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell) told this to the Washington Times as yet another push for the legislature to consider legalizing medicinal marijuana was forming.
4. “There are no facts in dispute -- only the legal question of whether the City of Wichita acted outside its authority by purporting to adopt this ordinance in conflict with state law. A quick, authoritative and final resolution in the Supreme Court will provide the clarity needed to guide everyone involved."
Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said this in a news release when he announced that he would
file suit to stop the City of Wichita from implementing reduced penalties for marijuana possession, according to governing.com.
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