Will 2025 Be the Year Kansas Embraces Medical Marijuana?

Kansas remains one of the few states in the country with no legal medical marijuana program, despite years of advocacy, multiple bills introduced in the legislature, and strong public support. But that could be changing. Lawmakers, voters, and even the governor continue to push for reform, and 2025 could be the year Kansas finally makes progress toward legalization.

Let’s break down where things stand, what’s happening at the Capitol, and why getting a medical marijuana card, once it becomes available, will be the smartest choice for Kansas residents seeking relief.

One of the Last Holdouts

As of today, marijuana remains fully illegal in Kansas. Possession of any amount can lead to criminal charges. There is no approved medical marijuana system, and recreational use is entirely off the table.

The only legal exception is CBD with traces THC, thanks to Senate Bill 28, passed in 2019. This law provides an affirmative legal defense, not full legalization, for individuals who use CBD products with THC content, but only under very narrow circumstances. Essentially, patients can still be arrested; this law just gives them a legal defense in court.

The Governor's Stance

Governor Laura Kelly has been vocal in her support for medical marijuana for years. In 2023, she reiterated her frustration with the legislature's inaction:

“Every day, thousands of Kansans are forced to choose between breaking the law and living without pain. It is an unbearable choice – and an absolutely unnecessary one.”

Her plea came after the legislature once again failed to move forward on two separate medical marijuana bills introduced in 2024. 

Still, the conversation isn’t going away. Governor Kelly has continued to connect the need for medical marijuana access with broader healthcare reform, and she has tied the issue to Kansas’s new “Right to Try” law, which expands treatment options for patients with qualifying  conditions.

Senate Bill 294

Last month, March of 2025, a new bill, Senate Bill 294, was introduced in the Kansas Senate. This bill would legalize medical marijuana for patients with qualifying conditions and authorize cultivation, processing, distribution, and dispensary systems.

The bill outlines a comprehensive plan for licenses for in-state growers and manufacturers including:

• Dispensary licenses for distribution of medical marijuana products

• Strict labeling, packaging, and testing requirements

• A registry system for patients and caregivers

• Oversight by a new medical marijuana commission under the Kansas Department of Health

As of now, Senate Bill 294 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs, the same committee that shelved previous bills. Advocates are hopeful this time may be different, especially with Governor Kelly’s continued pressure and increased public awareness.

Who Would Qualify?

While the current bill language is still being finalized, most proposed Kansas medical marijuana bills have included a list of qualifying medical conditions such as:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

• Cancer

• Epilepsy

• Parkinson’s disease

• Muscular dystrophy

• Multiple sclerosis

• Cachexia (weakness and wasting due to chronic illness)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Hepatitis C

• HIV+ AIDS

• Chronic or debilitating pain

• Glaucoma

• Alzheimer’s Disease

• Crohn’s disease 

• Ulcerative colitis

• Sickle-cell anemia

• Spinal cord disease or severe injury

• Tourette Syndrome

• Terminal illness

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

• Fibromyalgia​

• Intractable migraines unresponsive to other treatments

• A chronic medical condition that causes severe, persistent pain or persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those associated with multiple sclerosis, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, and Tourette’s syndrome

In some cases, provisions would allow the state health department to add more conditions as research and patient needs evolve.

Why a Medical Marijuana Card Is the Right Choice

If Kansas legalizes medical marijuana, having a valid medical marijuana card will be the only way to legally access marijuana products in the state. That’s where we will come in! There will be no recreational system to fall back on, and relying on the black market or unregulated hemp alternatives carries risks.

Here’s why a medical marijuana card will be the smart move:

• Legal protection: Patients with a card will be able to legally possess and use marijuana without fear of prosecution.

• Safe, tested products: Products sold through licensed dispensaries will be lab-tested and labeled for dosage, purity, and safety.

• Medical oversight: Licensed professionals will guide treatment, recommend strains, and ensure proper dosage.

• Consistent access: Patients won’t have to guess where or how to obtain their medicine; it’ll be available through authorized, reliable sources.

Rather than risking your health and safety with uncertain alternatives, a medical marijuana card gives you peace of mind and access to real medicine, once the system is approved.

What Happens Next?

Senate Bill 294’s fate now rests with Kansas lawmakers, as The Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs will decide whether it moves to a full vote. If it passes the Senate, it heads to the House, where similar bills have failed in the past. Still, with growing public support and pressure from Governor Laura Kelly, 2025 could finally be the year Kansas moves forward on medical marijuana.

If SB 294 or a similar bill passes, the state will need to establish a regulatory commission, create a patient registry, open applications for licenses to grow and sell marijuana, launch dispensaries, and train doctors to recommend medical marijuana. While the rollout will take time, passing the law is the crucial first step.

In the meantime, Kansans can prepare by following the bill’s progress, speaking with their doctor about qualifying conditions, learning how the program might work, and staying informed on how to apply for a medical marijuana card. That’s where we come in!

You can reserve your appointment today so you will be ready the second the program goes live. If you have any questions you can give us a call! Our patient support team will help you every step of the way! Getting ready now means you’ll be first in line when the system launches.

Final Thoughts

Kansas has lagged behind much of the nation in marijuana reform, but that might soon change. With Senate Bill 294 in motion, strong backing from the Governor, and increasing public support, the possibility of legal medical marijuana in Kansas is very real.

Patients across the state are hoping for a solution that offers real, regulated relief, not just promises. If lawmakers step up this session, Kansas could finally join the growing list of states providing legal, compassionate access to medical marijuana.

Until then, stay informed through our website and be prepared to apply for your medical marijuana card the moment it becomes available. A new era of patient care in Kansas might be just around the corner!

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!

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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!