Testimony: A Health Impact Assessment on Legalization of Medical Marijuana in Kansas (in progress)

KHI offered neutral testimony before the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on Senate Bill 9.

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Jan 23, 2015

By

Tatiana Y. Lin, M.A.
Tatiana Lin testifying before senate public health and welfare committee
KHI’s Tatiana Lin, M.A., Senior Analyst and Strategy Team Leader offers neutral testimony before the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on Senate Bill 9.

Access these publications in the Documents & Downloads section.

KHI’s Tatiana Y. Lin, M.A., Senior Analyst and Strategy Team offered neutral testimony before the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on Senate Bill 9. KHI is in the process of conducting a health impact assessment (HIA) to assess potential health effects that could result from legalization of medical marijuana in Kansas.

As shown in the HIA pathway diagram, the researchers examine multiple factors that may positively or negatively affect the health of Kansans.

HIA pathway diagram - Factors that influence health

Preliminary findings from the HIA show that there is likely to be little to no increase in overall consumption of marijuana in the general population if Kansas legalizes medical marijuana; however there may be some increase in use among at-risk teens.

KHI will provide additional findings in the coming weeks; the final report is anticipated for release late this spring.

Access these publications in the Documents & Downloads section.

About Kansas Health Institute

The Kansas Health Institute supports effective policymaking through nonpartisan research, education and engagement. KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to be champions for a healthier Kansas. Established in 1995 with a multiyear grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, KHI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization based in Topeka.

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