Medical Marijuana in Kansas
The State of Kansas remains one of the last states to not have a comprehensive medical marijuana program for their residents. From 2016 to 2017, the Kansas Legislature enacted various bills such as HB 2462 and SB 112 to reduce the outdated penalties for those found in possession of cannabis. Although this was a step in the right direction, the ACLU reported in 2018 that Kansas was ranked 12th in the nation for largest racial disparities in cannabis possession arrests.
Further in 2018, Governor Jeff Colyer signed SB 282 into law, which was a significant step forward for Kansas as it finally acknowledged the medical efficacy of cannabis. By 2019, Claire and Lola’s law was enacted that provided an affirmative defense for possession of CBD oil with up to 5% of THC, as well as barring the Department of Children and Families from removing a child over CBD oil use.
In 2021, the Kansas House of Representatives passed a medical cannabis bill, which carried over to the 2022 legislative session. However, the Senate failed to enact the bill even after several attempts to enact a medical cannabis bill such as SB 158 and SB 560. Even with attempts to put both medical and recreational questions on the voters’ ballots, such attempts were again unsuccessful. During 2022, the Senate held various hearings to discuss the implementation of a medical marijuana program in the “Sunflower State,” so they could have a bill ready by the 2023 legislative session.
As a result, SB 135t was introduced during the 2023 legislative session, which was unsuccessful in getting out of committee due to the exaggerated and negative claims made to the legislators regarding marijuana use. With more than two-thirds of Kansans favoring policy change, many residents in the state hope legislators take up medical marijuana reform in the 2024 legislative session as Kansas conducts legislative sessions every two (2) years.
Upcoming Applications for Medical Marijuana Business Licenses
In the near future, there will be an open application process for Medical Marijuana Business Licenses in Kansas. Now is the time to get started with your comprehensive and strategic business plan. Contact one of our consultants to further discuss your options here.
Last Updated: July 19th, 2023