Yes, Kansas. “We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” shocked prohibitionists may mutter, as they are unable to utilize old Reefer Madness propaganda, or the repackaged Big Reefer Madness 2.0, in conservative states anymore. More and more conservatives are now advocating for the small government principles underlying marijuana law reform.After seeing a Texas Tea Party legislator’s bill to end cannabis prohibition in the Lone Star State pass out of a Republican-dominated committee, a positive marijuana reform bill is moving forward in the Sunflower State. From the Belleville News-Democrat:

Kansas’ GOP-dominated House passed the bill by a wide margin Thursday, making it the most serious push to liberalize Kansas’ marijuana policies in decades. The bill would decrease penalties for marijuana possession, order a state study of industrial hemp and allow limited production and sale of hemp oil to treat seizures.

Democratic Rep. Gail Finney from Wichita, who for many years has supported comprehensive marijuana legislation, said efforts to “educate” the Legislature have “paid off.”

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Republicans provided most of the 81 votes the measure needed to move to the Senate, and Shawnee Republican Rep. Brett Hildabrand saying partisan lines are now blurred on marijuana policy, which he views as “not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue.” And Republican Majority Leader Jene Vickrey from Louisberg said the bill was successful because it was “very guarded, very carefully drafted” and “Republicans are companionate toward individuals that have health concerns.”

Kansas has seen an emergence of marijuana law reform activity lately as Wichita voters passed a decriminalization measure and advocates have rallied around the radical governmental intrusions into Shona Banda’s family life. Tea Party legislators in Texas, major Republican presidential candidates and conservatives in Kanas are proof positive that marijuana has not only gone mainstream, but is now becoming the sensible, smart political policy choice, regardless of your party affiliation. In a day where ordinary Americans are concerned with serious issues like terrorism, record government spending, budget shortfalls, unconstitutional government spying, etc., better prioritizing resources, saving millions of dollars and even generating millions in additional revenue becomes a mainstream, moderate middle position that will eventually be enacted from coast to coast, like a marijuana Manifest Destiny.

Anthony Johnson

Anthony, a longtime cannabis law reform advocate, was Chief Petitioner and co-author of Measure 91, Oregon's cannabis legalization effort. He served as director of both the New Approach Oregon and Vote Yes on 91 PACs, the political action committees responsible for the state's legalization campaign. As director of New Approach Oregon, Anthony continues to work towards effectively implementing the cannabis legalization system while protecting small business owners and the rights of patients. He sits on the Oregon Marijuana Rules Advisory Committee and fights for sensible rules at the legislature as well as city councils and county commissions across the state. Anthony helps cannabis business comply with Oregon's laws and advises advocates across the country. He also serves as content director of both the International Cannabis Business Conference and the Oregon Marijuana Business Conference, helping share the vision of moving the cannabis industry forward in a way that maintains the focus on keeping people out of prison and protecting patients. He was a member of the Oregon Health Authority Rules Advisory Committee, assisting the drafting of the administrative rules governing Oregon’s state-licensed medical marijuana facilities. He first co-authored and helped pass successful marijuana law reform measures while a law student at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. He passed the Oregon Bar in 2005 and practiced criminal defense for two years before transitioning to working full-time in the political advocacy realm. His blogs on Marijuana Politics are personal in nature and don't speak for or reflect the opinions of any group or organization.