New MMJ Legalization Bill Enters Kansas Senate Committee
March 8, 2022
It appears as though the Kansas Senate is ready to take some action on cannabis reform this year. Senator Rob Olson (R-Olathe) has introduced a new medical marijuana legalization bill into the Senate Federal & State Affairs committee. The bill is similar to the one passed by the Kansas House last year.
Here are the qualifying medical conditions in the new Medical Marijuana Regulation Act:
AIDs
Alzheimer’s
ALS
Cancer
CTE
Epilepsy or seizure disorder
Fibromyalgia
Glaucoma
Hepatitis C
MS
Parkinson’s
HIV+
PTSD
Sickle Cell Anemia
Spinal cord disease/injury
Tourette’s Syndrome
Ulcerative Colitis
Any autoimmune disorder
Chronic and severe or intractable pain
A debilitating psychiatric disorder
Any other chronic, debilitating, or terminal condition
The list is fairly similar to the one passed by the House but this one is a little more broad for terminally-ill and psychiatric patients.
Patients would be limited to a 30-day supply or three ounces of flower. The bill gives patients the ability to petition two physicians for a larger amount of medical marijuana. Medical marijuana recommendations from physicians would expire after 90 days but could be renewed.
Yet again, this medical marijuana proposal does not allow for smoking or vaping. There may be ways for patients to get around this provision and the legality of such a ban is sure to be challenged in court. Senators are expected to debate smoking/vaping as well as many of the bill’s provisions — much like we witnessed with the debate in the House. Another downside for Kansas patients is that this bill also wouldn’t allow home grown medicine. Patient advocates have long pushed for home cultivation. Products sold in Kansas would have a THC limit of 35%.
This is one of several cannabis legalization bills currently awaiting action in the Kansas Legislature. It appears that Senate leadership in particular isn’t too willing to address the issue this year. There are many strong opinions on both sides of the marijuana debate but it seems as though the votes would be there to pass both chambers and get signed into law by Governor Kelly. Kansans overwhelming support marijuana legalization and want legislators to deliver on this issue. Kansas can very optimistically expect to see legalized marijuana but only if leaders in the legislature allow the process to play out.
Members of the Senate Federal & State Affairs Committee:
Rob Olson, Chair
Richard Hilderbrand, Vice Chair
Oletha Faust-Goudeau
Cindy Holscher
Rick Kloos
Jeff Longbine
Mike Petersen
Ronald Ryckman
Alicia Straub
