Medical Marijuana Opponents Make Their Case in Topeka January 23, 2015

(AP) – Opponents of a medical marijuana bill are making their case to the Kansas Senate.

The Kansas Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee heard testimony Thursday from opponents of a proposal that would legalize marijuana for medical use. Speakers argued that the bill would lead to dangerous increases in drug use in the state and strain treatment resources.

Institute on Global Drug Policy chairman Eric Voth said marijuana is harmful and legalization measures would threaten public health. He said other states that passed such legislation skirted medical research processes and set bad precedents.

Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police legislative committee chair Ed Klumpp said states that have passed marijuana laws have faced problems. He says more information is needed before Kansas follows suit.