Is Medical Marijuana Coming to Kansas?

Kansas remains one of the few states in the U.S. without a medical marijuana program, despite growing support for legalization. While neighboring states have embraced medical marijuana, Kansas lawmakers have continued to resist change. Recent legislative discussions and public demand have revived the conversation, leaving many wondering; Will medical marijuana finally be legalized in Kansas?

Where Does Kansas Stand on Medical Marijuana?

Unlike 39 other states where medical marijuana is legal, Kansas continues to ban all forms of marijuana use. Currently, Kansas and Idaho are the only two states that have not legalized marijuana in any capacity, not even for medicinal purposes.

In recent years, several bills have been introduced in the Kansas Legislature to legalize medical marijuana, but none have successfully passed. In 2023, four proposed medical marijuana bills were introduced, but only one received a hearing before dying in committee. In 2024, two bills were introduced, but both failed to advance, keeping medical marijuana out of reach for Kansas patients.

Recent Attempts to Legalize Medical Marijuana

In a recent attempt to provide limited access to medical marijuana, State Sen. Cindy Holscher (D-Overland Park) introduced an amendment that would have allowed medical marijuana for terminally ill patients. The amendment was proposed as part of the Right to Try for Individualized Investigative Treatments Act, which aims to provide access to experimental drugs for those suffering from rare, life-threatening, or debilitating conditions.

Holscher’s amendment was not intended to establish a full medical marijuana program, but rather to provide terminally ill patients with another potential treatment option. However, Kansas Senate Republicans overwhelmingly rejected the proposal, with all 31 Republican senators voting against it, preventing even the most vulnerable patients from accessing medical marijuana.

Legislative Resistance to Medical Marijuana

Despite public support for medical marijuana in Kansas, conservative lawmakers have consistently blocked efforts to create a program. Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), a vocal opponent of medical marijuana, called it a "marketing ploy" rather than a legitimate medical treatment. Other opponents argue that medical marijuana would lead to full-scale recreational legalization, despite the fact that many states have maintained strict medical-only programs without transitioning to recreational use.

Governor Laura Kelly has expressed support for legalizing medical marijuana in Kansas. She has pushed for legislative action, emphasizing that medical marijuana could help patients suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and other serious conditions. However, without bipartisan support in the state legislature, progress remains stalled.

Why Medical Marijuana Is the Right Choice for Kansans

Medical marijuana has been proven to provide relief for patients suffering from a variety of conditions, including:

• Chronic pain

• Epilepsy and seizures

• Multiple sclerosis

• PTSD

• Cancer-related symptoms

• Severe nausea

  
  

Many Kansas residents already cross state lines to obtain medical marijuana from Missouri and Oklahoma, both of which have established programs. Without legal access in Kansas, patients are forced to either travel or rely on unregulated hemp-derived alternatives, which lack the same consistency and oversight as state-regulated medical marijuana programs.

Beyond medical benefits, legalizing medical marijuana could provide significant economic advantages for Kansas. States with medical marijuana programs have seen:

• Job creation in agriculture, retail, and healthcare industries.

• Millions in tax revenue that can be used for education, infrastructure, and healthcare programs.

• Reduced costs for law enforcement by eliminating arrests for minor marijuana offenses.

• Improved quality of life for patients who no longer have to leave the state for treatment.

  
  

Kansas residents currently spend millions of dollars annually on medical marijuana in neighboring states. By keeping medical marijuana illegal, Kansas is effectively sending tax revenue to Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado instead of benefiting its own economy.

What’s Next for Medical Marijuana in Kansas?

While legislative efforts have stalled in 2024, there is growing pressure to revisit medical marijuana legalization in 2025. Lawmakers will likely continue debating the issue, especially as more conservative states adopt medical marijuana programs. Additionally, public support for medical marijuana in Kansas remains high, and many believe it is only a matter of time before legalization happens.

1. Continued Legislative Debate

Although the latest efforts have failed, new bills are expected to be introduced in 2025. Lawmakers will likely face increasing pressure from constituents, advocacy groups, and neighboring states to finally allow medical marijuana in Kansas.

2. Public Support and Advocacy

Recent polling suggests that a majority of Kansans support legalizing medical marijuana. Advocates continue to push for legalization, urging residents to contact their legislators and demand action. Grassroots efforts and public pressure could play a crucial role in shifting opinions within the state legislature.

3. Potential Legislative Compromises

A limited medical marijuana program could be a middle-ground solution for conservative lawmakers hesitant about full legalization. Some possibilities include:

• Restricting the number of qualifying conditions.

• Banning smokable marijuana while allowing oils, tinctures, and capsules.

• Tightly regulating dispensaries and limiting their locations.

• Requiring physician recommendations and strict oversight.

  
  

These types of compromises have worked in other traditionally conservative states and could provide a pathway forward for Kansas.

Summary

While Kansas remains one of the last states without a medical marijuana program, momentum for legalization is building. Although legislative efforts have been repeatedly blocked, public support continues to grow, and lawmakers will face increasing pressure to act in the coming years.

With neighboring states benefiting from medical marijuana programs, Kansas risks falling further behind if it does not move forward soon. If legislative hurdles can be overcome, Kansas could finally see a medical marijuana program in 2025 or beyond. Until then, advocates, patients, and businesses must remain engaged, informed, and vocal to push for progress in the Sunflower State.

Get Ready for Medical Marijuana

You have to wait for the Kansas lawmakers to finally pass a medical marijuana law before you can buy medicine, but you might not have to wait long.

Don’t delay! Reserve an evaluation online today with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate marijuana doctors!

We’ll set up an appointment for you just as soon as Kansas’ medical marijuana market is up and running. You’ll even save $25 off the cost of the evaluation!

---

Doctors Who Care.

Relief You Can Trust.

Helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.

If you have any questions, call us at 833-781-6675, or simply reserve a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!