Kansas Legislature Set to Act on Medical Marijuana This Week

April 26, 2022

Kansas is as close as it has ever been to legalizing medical cannabis. 

The Kansas Legislature has appointed a Conference Committee to iron out the details of a medical marijuana bill that would satisfy both chambers. This move allows select members of both the House and Senate to work through a medical marijuana legalization bill and recommend it for passage to their respective chambers. Moving the bill to a conference committee speeds up the process to get the bill passed before the lawmakers adjourn for the year. 

The conference committee is set to begin working on the bill tomorrow and have it ready for the legislature to vote on this week. If passed it is obviously likely to be signed into law by Governor Kelly. The program would be up and running in 2024. 

Some highlights from the proposal as this point:

- Patients with one of 20+ qualifying conditions would be allowed to purchase an unspecified 30-day supply of medical cannabis products at a time. Their license would valid for 90 days after which it could be renewed. THC levels would be capped at 35%. 

- The medical marijuana program would be regulated by KDHE, Board of Healing Arts, Board of Pharmacy, and the Alcohol & Cannabis Control division. An advisory board will be established to make recommendations. 

- Licenses will be available for cultivators, processors, labs, distributors, and retailers. Anyone convicted of a felony would be ineligible to obtain a license unless the conviction was expunged at least 10 years before they apply. 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE