TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) – Medical marijuana advocates from across the Sunflower State have called on legislators to consider a comprehensive new policy this upcoming legislative session.
The Cannabis Justice Coalition announced on Sunday, Oct. 27, that it has joined other statewide advocacy groups, including the ACLU of Kansas and Loud Light, to call on the 2024 Special Committee on Medical Marijuana to recommend passage of comprehensive medical marijuana legislation during the upcoming legislative session.
“While each of our individual advocacy organizations focuses on different aspects that a thoughtful and forward-looking medical marijuana program will bring to Kansans, we unite in the recognition that cannabis prohibition is failing our citizens and contradicts the policy desires of the vast majority of Kansans,” a coalition spokesperson said.
Advocates have called for a patient-centered program that provides affordable access to safe products. Ideally, the policy would promote inclusion, equity and justice in legislation and the cannabis industry.
“That also ensures reinvestment and reconciliation for communities that have been disproportionately harmed by the criminalization of marijuana in Kansas, especially Black communities,” leaders noted.
While this may create challenges for law enforcement and the medical industry, the groups have urged them to consider the solutions found in programs that currently operate in 38 other states – including Missouri and Colorado.
“Kansans continue to seek relief from programs operating in the surrounding states and it is time to support them at home,” the advocates concluded.
Organizations in the coalition include:
The Cannabis Justice CoalitionKansas Cannabis Chamber of CommerceACLU of KansasMarijuana Policy ProjectLoud Light
On the opposing side, law enforcement officials have warned legislators that the legalization of cannabis could lead to a larger cartel presence in Kansas, require a new fleet of drug-sniffing canines which could cost up to $20,000 per dog and require more KBI agents and equipment for enforcement purposes.
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Medical marijuana advocates from across the Sunflower State have called on legislators to consider a comprehensive new policy this upcoming legislative session. Read More