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Apr 20, 2026 | Healthcare, Press Releases
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced the Marijuana Impact on Medicaid Act today, 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.
“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.
Read the full bill text HERE.
The Marijuana Impact on Medicaid Act is supported by Smart Approaches to Marijuana.
“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.
BACKGROUND
In addition to collecting data on Medicaid costs associated with marijuana use, the Marijuana Impact on Medicaid Act would mandate the Department of Health and Human Services to provide a report to Congress within one year of enactment that includes a summary of findings from data collection, in addition to providing recommendations for potential legislative or administrative actions to consider.
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