Advocates continue to seek path to medical marijuana legalization in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (KWCH) - Advocates for medical marijuana want to see progress this legislative session as Kansas remains among a handful of states without laws on decriminalization.

A bill introduced last year didn’t move out of committee but remains in play this legislative session. The last major action the state took was in 2021 when the Kansas House passed a bill legalizing medical marijuana, but that bill died at the end of that session.

Part of the push from supporters is for the federal government to consider rescheduling marijuana in general from Schedule One.

Cheryl Kumberg, president of the Kansas Cannabis Coalition, also said the FDA reports there is medicinal value, so she is working to educate lawmakers on these changes. She said it can no longer serve as the basis for not passing out this legislation.

On Tuesday, several Kansas groups and organizations in support of medical marijuana and decriminalization held a day of action.

Kumberg said there are people in Kansas who use medical marijuana in secret for treatment.

“Allow these people to use or not use it. Just because we have a bill doesn’t mean that we have to use it. It’s time to get with the 21st century, and let’s let patients heal, let’s give them options, and decriminalize,” Kumberg said.

Last year, the bill faced opposition from some law enforcement and legal groups around the registration of patients and DUIs.

Governor Kelly has said she supports legalizing medical marijuana in Kansas.