Kansas Finds Itself Surrounded by States Embracing Medical Marijuana Access
In a significant development, Nebraska voters have recently given their approval for the use of medical marijuana. This decision has positioned Kansas as a state that is now encircled by neighboring states providing, or soon to provide, legal access to medical cannabis.
Legal challenges may arise in Nebraska regarding the issue that led to the medical marijuana question being presented to voters. If implemented, Kansas will be among the few states in the region that have not yet legalized medical marijuana.
In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, the special committee for medical marijuana in Kansas has convened twice this fall to explore the subject. According to a committee member, no formal recommendation has been made yet, but discussions have focused on the potential tax revenue and viewpoints from both proponents and opponents.
Dennis “Boog” Highberger (D-Lawrence) mentioned that the interim committee has requested an additional day of meetings. They plan to convene in early January before the session commences to receive further updates and provide guidance to the rest of the legislature regarding the structure of a medical marijuana bill. However, the specific date for this meeting is still pending approval from the Legislative Coordinating Committee.
During the interview, KSN had the opportunity to speak with the president of the Kansas Cannabis Coalition. According to the president, the current moment presents an opportune time to push for the approval of medical legalization in the state.
Cheryl Kumberg, the president of Kansas Cannabis Coalition, expressed concern about the potential negative impact on the state. She stated, “We’re going to be just like this little island, and it won’t be in a good way because people are going to three other states, and they’re using cannabis.”
Efforts to pass legislation on medical cannabis in Kansas have faced significant obstacles and have been unable to make progress for several years.
According to Highberger, the current scenario involves us being surrounded by states that are in the process of legalizing marijuana.
During their previous two meetings, Highberger mentioned that they took into account the actions and strategies implemented by other states.
According to the speaker, the unique aspect of Utah’s approach to cannabis is that they have state licenses for growers and processors, but instead of dispensaries, they have actual pharmacies that exclusively sell cannabis products.
The Kansas Cannabis Coalition aims to provide medical access, particularly for seniors, emphasizing that these treatments are already accessible in other states.
Kumberg stated that legislators seem to have a strong desire for control over marijuana, and the medical program could be the ideal platform for exerting that control. He highlighted the fact that the medical program is closely supervised, further emphasizing the legislators’ interest in maintaining a high level of oversight.
KSN contacted the Attorney General, who affirmed that Kansas will uphold its laws against marijuana use. He emphasized that the adoption of an initiative in Nebraska, aided by significant financial resources from marijuana advocates, does not alter the legal framework in Kansas.
KSN also contacted Sedgwick County Sheriff Easter, who expressed that if a bill to legalize medical use is presented, the Kansas Sheriff’s Association will likely oppose it unless the FDA grants approval for a genuine doctor to prescribe it and a pharmacy to distribute it.
