The Kansas House committee adopted another set of amendments to a medical cannabis bill and approved the overall measure. Next, they are sending it for a floor vote.

The legislation was introduced in the House Federal and State Affairs Committee last month. It has been through multiple hearings. Members went through numerous proposed changes in the last few days.

The plan was to have legislators take most of last week to review the amendments and then have a vote on Thursday. The committee passed the bill in a 13-8 vote.

The Medical Cannabis Bill

The legislation establishes a medical cannabis program for those qualified. The current draft specifies 21 conditions that qualify a patient for the program. On Monday lawmakers expanded the list. Currently, smoking and vaping products are prohibited, and residents cannot home-grow cannabis plants.

Members of the panel actively listened to testimony from supporters and opponents last month. During Monday’s hearing, the committee approved and rejected several amendments. To read about all of the amendments click here.

Gov. Laura Kelly (D) has pushed a separate proposal that would legalize medical cannabis and use the revenue to support Medicaid expansion. Kelly is encouraging voters to pressure their representatives to get the reform to pass.

While both pieces of legislation would make it so Kansas would join the vast majority of states that have legalized medical marijuana markets, advocates view them as restrictive, particularly as it concerns the limited methods of consumption that would be permitted.

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