Kansas Senate Committee Tables Medical Cannabis Bill

A Kansas Senate Committee last week tabled a medical cannabis legalization bill, likely killing the bill for the session, the Associated Press reports. On Twitter, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said she was “disappointed that some legislators are saying they don’t want to move forward with legalizing medical marijuana this year – effectively turning their backs on our veterans and those with chronic pain and seizure disorders.” 

“If they get their way, for yet another year thousands of Kansans will be forced to choose between breaking the law and living without pain. I encourage Kansans to call their state legislators and tell them to legalize medical marijuana this session.” — Kelly via Twitter 

The measure would have allowed physicians to recommend non-smokable medical cannabis products to treat 21 illnesses or conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, spinal cord injuries or chronic pain, starting in July 2024. The legislation would have required both medical cannabis patients and their caregivers to register with the state health department to purchase cannabis at state-licensed dispensaries and the state would have imposed a 10% tax on medical cannabis sales. 

The House passed a medical cannabis bill in 2021, but the measure didn’t receive a committee vote in the Senate. 

Kansas is one of just four states where cannabis use of any kind remains outlawed.