A medical cannabis bill, SB 158, passed both the Senate and the House during the 2021 regular session. But after going through the House, the Senate President Ty Masterson, R, deemed the bill “materially changed” meaning it needed to go through the debate process in the Senate again. Kansas is one of a few states that runs two year long sessions, along with California. This way, bills won’t die at the end of the year and can continue debate into the next.
SB 158 then became referred to the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs, chaired by Senator Rob Olson. He expressed optimism about the upcoming medical cannabis bill debate in his chair, with the first meeting set for Tuesday January 18. However, just days before the committee met, Senate President Masterson moved SB 158 to the Committee on Interstate cooperation. Senate President Masterson sits as the committee’s chair, and it seldom considers legislation. This committee change now leaves medical cannabis in jeopardy in Kansas.
Confusion
The committee change has left lawmakers and activists confused. They now express concern surrounding medical cannabis. It now sits in a legislative limbo, where it could potentially die if no changes come.
“We certainly hope that this action is just making sure that this bill meets any concerns that Senate leadership may have concerning this historic legislation,” commented Kevin Caldwell. He sits as the legislative manager at Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). “This bill had widespread bipartisan support in the House last session. We hope Senate President Masterson quickly holds a committee hearing and advances this legislation.”
With SB 158 now stalled in a Senate committee, activists are hoping lawmakers will introduce a new bill. However, it’s unclear if lawmakers will have the motivation to go through the legislative process again. Even if a new bill becomes introduced, many suspect it to receive the same response from the Senate.
“Medical marijuana legislation is not a priority of Senate leadership,” Michael Pirner said. He is Senator Masterson’s Director of Communications. “The subject matter has clearly matured and we expect it to be considered at some level this session. There are many more pressing topics on the Senate agenda.”
With medical cannabis not seen as a priority for senators, it’s up to activists and House Representatives to put pressure on them. Kansas doesn’t currently offer ballot initiatives. Only lawmakers can put measures on the ballot for voters to decide on.
Next Steps
Medical cannabis is up in the air in Kansas, even with large support from voters, activists, and even Governor Laura Kelly, D. She previously expressed concern about the state’s decreasing population happening in part because of the lack of legal medical cannabis.
“Since the start of the pandemic, I have asked for data and input from experts and stakeholders before making significant policy decisions,” the governor stated. “Today’s discussion is the first of several I will hold to determine the best course of action – for businesses and for families – to reduce our state’s workforce shortages. I remain committed to supporting our businesses and workers to rebuild a healthier, stronger economy following COVID-19.”
Hopefully, with increasing support, the Senate will take notice and move the medical cannabis legalization bill forward. However, that remains to be seen. Should more information become available, we will update you with the latest.
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