Special Committee on Medical Marijuana

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By Valentina Blanchard, M.P.H., L.M.S.W.

The Special Committee on Medical Marijuana met two times during the Interim Session, Oct. 16 and Oct. 28. Testimony was presented by representatives of the Kansas Legislative Research Department (KLRD), the Office of the Revisor of Statutes, and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), financial experts, law enforcement, public safety officials, medical professionals and advocacy groups. The discussions covered the historical and legal status of marijuana, cannabidiol (CBD), Delta-8 THC, federal rescheduling efforts and implications for Kansas laws. 

KLRD provided an extensive overview of cannabis use, regulatory evolution and key federal acts like the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, while the Office of the Revisor of Statutes discussed Kansas’s legal framework and the potential impact of federal rescheduling. ABC emphasized the need for clear definitions, licensing standards, and statutory transparency in regulating cannabis and financial experts highlighted challenges in accessing banking services, noting the need for the SAFE and SAFER Banking Acts to address federal restrictions. 

Law enforcement and public safety officials raised concerns about the potential increase in black-market activity, organized crime, and drug-related violence. Medical professionals discussed the limited conditions where cannabis may be beneficial but cautioned against broader use due to risks of addiction, particularly with high-THC products and some testified that high-THC cannabis led to worsened mental health outcomes for PTSD patients. 

Committee members asked questions about enforcement challenges, product safety, and implications for youth and veterans. Some committee members questioned the accuracy of the research being cited by those providing testimony. Perspectives from other states informed discussions on best practices and economic impacts. The Committee discussed the importance of developing a comprehensive regulatory framework, prioritizing public safety, patient access, economic benefits, potency limits, testing requirements and age restrictions for use. Plans for further research, stakeholder input and alignment with federal guidelines were made to guide the future of cannabis policy in Kansas.