Medical marijuana took one step closer to becoming part of Kansas law after the House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday.
The vote was 79-42 in favor. 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia voted for it, while 51st District Representative Ron Highland of Wamego and 76th District Representative Eric Smith of Burlington voted against. Highland says this opens the door for recreational marijuana becoming law in a few years.
Smith agrees. He’s been concerned about legalized marijuana throughout his law enforcement career, and especially now that he’s Coffey County undersheriff.
Smith says he introduced an amendment that would have turned medical marijuana into an “affirmative defense,” where people meeting certain criteria would have the legal consequences eliminated, instead of outright legalization. That was turned down.
Schreiber was unavailable for comment, but earlier in the week he told KVOE News there’s a major difference in approving medical marijuana versus recreational marijuana. He also says the federal government, which classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug — meaning no medicinal value and high potential for abuse — should revisit that status for pot. Other Schedule I drugs include ecstasy, heroin, LSD and peyote.
5 pm Thursday: Medical marijuana passes Kansas House; future in Senate unclear
A bill to allow medical marijuana has cleared the Kansas House and now goes to the Senate.
House members voted 79-42 in favor Thursday. 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia voted for it, while 51st District Representative Ron Highland of Wamego and 76th District Representative Eric Smith of Burlington voted against.
House Substitute for Senate Bill 158 lets patients access medical marijuana under certain conditions. People with over 20 medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and cancer, could receive a medical marijuana card to obtain the drug. Patients would also need at least a six-month working relationship with a doctor before marijuana could be prescribed. Edibles, patches and oils would be allowed, while cigarettes or other smoking materials would be forbidden.
Should this plan become law, individual counties can opt out of the state plan if they choose.
The Senate may take up the bill during the veto session, but it also may wait until 2022 before starting any discussions.