Marijuana Moment: New GOP Bill Would Require Feds To Study Hospital Costs Caused By Marijuana Use

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A pair of Republican senators have filed a bill that would require the federal government to track the cost of hospitalization due to marijuana use.

The new Marijuana Impact on Medicaid Act of 2026 from Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) would require the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to compile data on “Federal and State expenditures under the Medicaid program…that are attributable to costs incurred for providing medical assistance for inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, and for services received at a hospital emergency room…related to marijuana use.”

The information would be due in the form of a report to Congress within one year of the measure being enacted, along with any recommendations for legislation and administrative action that the HHS secretary determines to be appropriate.

“The health consequences tied to marijuana use are serious, leading to increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, psychotic disorders and further addictions,” Budd claimed in a press release. “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,” he said. “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.”

The health consequences tied to marijuana use are serious—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.…

— Senator Ted Budd (@SenTedBuddNC) April 20, 2026

Ricketts added that “marijuana is a dangerous drug.”

“The average THC potency in marijuana has more than tripled since 1995,” he said. “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.”

The bill’s language is similar to two amendments Budd previously filed on the cannabis and hospitalization issue that didn’t end up being considered on the Senate floor.

Legalization opponents have often claimed that cannabis drives an increase in hospital visits due to accidents and over-intoxication.

Budd and other GOP senators sent a letter last year urging President Donald Trump not to follow through with plans to federally reschedule marijuana.

In 2024, Budd pressed federal, state and local officials on what steps they were taking to enforce marijuana prohibition as an Indian tribe prepared to launch recreational cannabis sales on its lands within North Carolina.

Photo courtesy of Philip Steffan.

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