***Update 3/26/2018***
Medical Marijuana Rejected By Kansas House. But Not By Much.
“After rejecting Holscher’s amendment, House members gave preliminary approval to a bill includes a provision to legalize products made with a cannabis extract called cannabidiol, or CBD, as long as they contain no tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the ingredient in marijuana that produces the “high” that recreational users crave.” READ MORE
Though Kansas has “zero-tolerance” anti-marijuana laws, both hemp seeds and hemp seed oil can be purchased in local brick and mortar shops. In fact one of my favorite places to find these items is Valentine Eclectics. Doo Dah Diner also has a line of doggies treats with CBD to help animals with anxiety and other ailments.
Marijuana and any cannabis derived product with THC is ILLEGAL in Kansas. However, CBD extracted from the plant with no THC properties is 100% LEGAL in Kansas.
It can be confusing trying decipher the details of local laws regarding cannabis. This post is meant to be a brief breakdown of those laws. You are encouraged to do your own research and visit the links provided in the “source credit” area below.
Recreational Marijuana in Kansas
In May 2016, a measure approved by Gov. Sam Brownback reduced penalties for marijuana possession. The penalty for first-time marijuana possession was reduced from a maximum jail sentence of 1 year to 6 months. A second possession offense was reduced from a low-level felony to a misdemeanor with a sentence of up to a year in jail. Subsequent offenses are susceptible to a prison sentence ranging 10 to 42 months.
Sale or distribution of any quantity of recreational marijuana remains a felony with the length of jail term depending on the quantity possessed. Selling marijuana within 1000 feet of a school zone results in a mandatory minimum sentence of 4 years.
Medical Marijuana in Kansas
Medical marijuana is illegal in Kansas, even for the most debilitating physical conditions. The same penalties apply as in the case of recreational marijuana possession and sale.
During the 2016 legislative session, Rep. John Wilson introduced a low-THC medicinal cannabis bill, and while it passed the Kansas House of Representatives, it did not manage to pass the Senate.
Consumption of CBD from Hemp Oil in Kansas
While medical marijuana and cannabis oil remains illegal in Kansas, patients can still legally purchase and consume CBD oil that is derived from hemp. Consumption of CBD hemp oil is federally legal, as CBD hemp oil falls under the same importation and commerce laws as other hemp products. The state of Kansas has no further policy specifically related to CBD hemp oil.
Cultivation of Cannabis in Kansas
Cultivation of cannabis in Kansas is a felony. Prison terms range from 46 to 204 months with the maximum fine being $500,000. Kansas also has not made any policy changes that would allow the legal cultivation of industrial hemp.
Source credit: MMI | TC | Leafly