Sen. Budd Introduces Legislation To Promote Transparency On Medicaid Spending Resulting From Marijuana Use

This week, Senator Ted Budd (R- North Carolina) introduced legislation with other Republican colleagues to increase transparency around the cost to the public of marijuana use. The Marijuana Impact on Medicaid Act, which would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect data on Medicaid spending associated with both hospital inpatient and outpatient care, as well as emergency room visits that result from marijuana use. 

“The health consequences tied to marijuana use are serious, leading to increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, psychotic disorders, and further addictions. When legislating on this issue, Congress needs to put the health and safety of the American people first, full stop. This is exactly why lawmakers need access to reliable data that details Medicaid spending associated with marijuana abuse. Millions of Americans rely on Medicaid healthcare benefits, and my legislation will ensure Congress understands the dangers of this drug and its impact on federally funded health programs,” said Senator Budd. 

The Marijuana Impact on Medicaid Act is supported by Smart Approaches to Marijuana. In addition to collecting the data, the Department of Health and Human Services would be required to report to Congress a summary of the findings of the data collection in additions to providing policy recommendations to reduce the impact on the public.  

"We enthusiastically support this important piece of legislation which advances public awareness of marijuana's costs to society. Senator Budd's bill calls for an accounting of taxpayer-funded health programs and the impact of normalizing this dangerous drug on their costs—and that's long overdue. In study after study, significant data appear linking marijuana to serious physical and mental health issues like heart attacks and schizophrenia. Enough is enough,” said Kevin A. Sabet, CEO, Smart Approaches to Marijuana. 

Read the full bill text HERE. 

“Marijuana is a dangerous drug. The average THC potency in marijuana has more than tripled since 1995. High-potency marijuana is an increasingly concerning threat to public health. It is important for Congress and HHS to understand the costs and impact to healthcare of increased marijuana usage,” said Senator Ricketts.