The lack of medical marijuana legalisation in the US state of Kansas has been a thorn in Governor Laura Kelly’s side for years. She’s still hoping to finally pull it out.
Currently, cannabis in Kansas is fully illegal, and even possession of small amounts is considered a misdemeanor crime. While there’s strong support for medical cannabis among the state’s voters, their cries are falling on deaf ears when it comes to many lawmakers.
Governor Kelly signed Senate Bill 28 into law in 2019, which provides an affirmative defense against prosecution for possession of certain cannabidiol (CBD) products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but only in special circumstances. Her subsequent exhortations to get medical marijuana legalized haven’t been successful – yet.
In early 2023, Governor Kelly lamented the situation, stating:
“Every day, thousands of Kansans are forced to choose between breaking the law and living without pain. It is an unbearable choice – and an absolutely unnecessary one.”
Last year two bills related to medical marijuana were introduced. While one received a hearing in the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs in March 2024, it died in committee.
More recently, the Governor has raised the issue again, in comments regarding allowing Senate Bill 250 to become law without her signature. Known as the “Right to Try for Individualized Investigative Treatments Act”, SB 250 allows individuals with rare, life-threatening, or debilitating conditions access to investigational treatments, including experimental drugs.
Her comment:
“This bill gives Kansans with debilitating disease the option to make choices about their medical care. Now I think it’s time for the Legislature to finally legalize medical Marijuana, giving the Kansans suffering from chronic pain or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and children suffering with Dravet’s Syndrome (epilepsy) the choice of the treatment they and their doctors determine best suits their needs.”
Early last month, a bill addressing medical marijuana legalization was introduced to the Senate. Senate Bill 294 authorizes the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis and medical cannabis products. SB 294 was referred to Committee on Federal and State Affairs the following day.
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