(March 1, 2023) – Today, the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs, chaired by Senator Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), held the first of a two-day information briefing to learn more about other states' experiences with medical marijuana.

The committee heard from the following:

• Dale Quigley, National Marijuana Initiative, testified on the economics of sales, the THC levels that have increased in marijuana products over the years and usage trends.
• Jo McGuire, National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association, gave accident examples, spoke about drug testing rules, and testified on the experience of serving on the Colorado Governor's Task Force to implement a regulatory framework for the state. McGuire highlighted other drug use trends in relation to marijuana and talked about employee substance use disorder costs.
• Brian Surber, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, gave an overview of how medical marijuana was legalized in Oklahoma. Surber also testified how marijuana was marketed as a safe alternative to addictive pain medications but had a significant impact on the black market. The local impacts to poison control, pediatric cannabis overdoses and increased hospitalizations were shared, in addition to crime statistics related to marijuana use.
• Steve Howe, Johnson County District Attorney, shared statements from the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Howe gave a comparison of smoking tobacco and THC products, as well as highlighting the negative effects on communities in neighboring states including violent crime and illegal drug trades.

The committee will continue hearings tomorrow, March 2.