Kansas Lawmakers Hold First of Two Hearings on Medical Cannabis

Kansas lawmakers are holding two hearings this month on medical cannabis after a proposal to legalize medical cannabis in the state stalled during this year’s legislative session.

The first hearing on Oct. 12 heard testimony from law enforcement, state agencies and local governments, according to a local KAKE report, while the second hearing, slated for Oct. 19, will hear public testimony on the issue.

Sen. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, who chairs the 2022 Special Committee on Medical Marijuana, said the pair of hearings will allow lawmakers to improve upon last year’s failed medical cannabis bill ahead of next year’s legislative session, according to a KSNT report.

“Legislators need to feel comfortable that we’ve got good legislation that works, that meets all the needs, and there’s no loopholes,” Olson said, according to the news outlet.

Rep. Christina Haswood, D-Lawrence, a member of the committee, added that lawmakers should be selective in their restrictions in the bill.

“We hear all the agencies and department concerns but also keeping in mind that we don’t get too restrictive with the policies,” Haswood said, according to KSNT.