Kansas patients can now access medicinal cannabis without state law
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On June 2, Gov. Laura Kelly (D) signed new legislation into law that would allow Kansans to obtain prescription drugs derived from cannabis products.
Although medical marijuana is not yet legal in the state, the law allows residents to obtain cannabis-derived medications as long as they are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cjoonline.com reported.
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What are these cannabis drugs?
In 2018, the FDA approved a cannabis-derived drug to treat epilepsy, which is caused by two rare disorders, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. The drug is called Epidiolex.
The FDA has also approved three synthetic cannabis-related products used to treat nausea in AIDS patients and patients undergoing chemotherapy during cancer treatment.
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“There are currently a number of products in clinical trials that are expected to be submitted for FDA approval over the coming months and years,” Alexandra Blasi, executive secretary of the Kansas Board of Pharmacy, said in a statement. “Now Kansas will be among the first to allow these drugs to be lawfully prescribed in our state if and when the FDA deems them safe and effective.”
Senator Rob Olson (R), chairman of the Senate State and Federal Affairs Committee, said in a statement he regrets and takes responsibility for the policy not passing his chamber.
In May, Senate President Ty Masterson (R) told reporters he was unsure whether any of the previous proposals would get the majority of the votes needed to pass his chamber. “I think the topic is ripe and you’ll see it next year,” Masterson said.
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Efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Kansas estates
In 2022, the Kansas House appointed key lawmakers from both houses to a conference committee to draft the details of a medical marijuana legalization bill. Cannabis advocates called the move a clear sign that reform is inevitable and coming soon. However, it appears that Senate Bill 12 will not gain traction.
“Since we plan to be there for just one day, it’s unlikely that work can be completed at this point,” said Mike Pirner, a spokesman for the Senate leadership, in May.
This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.
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