Kansas Moves Closer to its First Medical Cannabis Program
Despite failed attempts in the past, new initiatives are showing potential.
Kansas could potentially see a medical cannabis program for patients in the state (1). Currently, there is no medical cannabis program and no option to obtain a medical cannabis card (2). Cannabis is illegal to possess, sell, cultivate, or use except under certain conditions (2). Cannabidiol (CBD) products containing no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been legal since 2018, and in 2021 Governor Laura Kelly signed a bill permitting CBD oil containing up to 5% THC to be used to treat medical conditions after a recommendation by a physician (2). Unauthorized possession of cannabis can result in six months imprisonment and a $1000 fine (2).
Medical cannabis legislation has had a haphazard journey in Kansas. While 38 states allow medical cannabis in some form and 24 allow recreational cannabis, Kansas remains one of the few states with neither medical nor recreational cannabis legalization, though its surrounding states have looser recreational and medical laws (1,3). A bill that would legalize medical cannabis (Senate Bill 158) passed the House in 2021, but has not been taken up by the Senate (1,3). Senate Bill 135, introduced in February 2023, would allow the regulated cultivation and sale of medical cannabis for patients with conditions including cancer, epilepsy, and chronic pain (3).
Recently, several new initiatives by advocates are taking place to implement a legal medical cannabis program. Indoor hemp cultivator Kansas Natural Remedies has reportedly been crafting a bill that would create the state’s first medical cannabis program this year (1). Senator Michael O’Donnell has been supporting this effort to create a medical cannabis pilot program (1).
“It’s still being worked,” O’Donnell said (1). “It’s not dead for the year. There will be a bill.”
Some are concerned that a pilot program would not reach enough patients, though it would be a good start (1). The issue continues to be debated, though progress is expected to be made this year (1). Recent polls reveal that a majority of Kansans are in favor of legalizing medical and recreational cannabis (1,3).
References
- Carpenter, T. Kansas House awaits introduction of Senate bill creating medical cannabis pilot program https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/28/kansas-house-awaits-introduction-of-senate-bill-creating-medical-cannabis-pilot-program/ (accessed Mar 12, 2024).
- https://kansasstatecannabis.org/ (accessed Mar 12, 2024).
- Caudill, D. Legalizing medical marijuana is popular in Kansas, so why hasn’t it happened yet? https://www.kcur.org/2024-01-30/legalizing-medical-marijuana-is-popular-in-kansas-so-why-hasnt-it-happened-yet (accessed Mar 12, 2024).
Collaboration, Gender Diversity, and Progress: Julie Kowalski on Advancing Cannabis Science
December 10th 2024In this interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, Julie Kowalski, an experienced analytical chemist, discusses her path into the cannabis industry, starting with early work in gas chromatography. Kowalski reflects on her perspectives as a female scientist, highlighting biases she’s experienced and the benefits of gender inclusivity in the cannabis space. Greater unity and professionalism could benefit the industry as a whole, she explains. She also encourages collaboration and more women in leadership positions in order to build a stronger scientific community, and also urges women to advocate for themselves, noting that women in cannabis face unique obstacles but often demonstrate consensus-building strategies and solutions.
Ep 24, Part I: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Khan
November 21st 2024Evan Friedmann interviews Yasha Khan, co-founder of MCR Labs, about his journey into the cannabis industry and his efforts to promote transparency and integrity in laboratory practices. Yasha discusses the origins of MCR Labs, which began in Massachusetts to meet the needs of the soon-to-be legal medical cannabis market. He explains the challenges faced, including result manipulation by labs and the impact on public health. Yasha's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) project aimed to gather testing data from 37 states, revealed significant discrepancies in potency and mold results. Despite some states' reluctance to share data, Yasha has made much of this data public, leading to collaborative research and publications on various aspects of cannabis testing.
Gender Diversity and Innovation in the Cannabis Space: Insights from Tess Eidem, PhD
December 9th 2024Cannabis Science and Technology sat down with Tess Eidem, PhD, PCQI, member of Saturn Scientific, LLC, to discuss her journey from antibiotic research to cannabis microbiology and her observations throughout her career. Dr. Eidem highlights challenges women face in this male-dominated industry, including limited representation in leadership roles and frequent experiences of bias and discrimination. She emphasizes the importance of gender diversity in fostering innovation, improving product safety, and addressing women’s health needs in cannabis applications. Her advice to women scientists is to build strong professional relationships and carefully evaluate work environments to advance their careers in this evolving and often challenging space.
Ep 23, Part III: Accreditation in the Cannabis Industry with Susan Audino
October 24th 2024In Part III of this episode, host Evan Friedmann is joined by Susan Audino, PhD, founder of S.A. Audino & Associates, LLC, and co-founder of Saturn Scientific, LLC, to examine the complexities of sampling in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for proper sampling plans, and methods.
