For too long, the Sunflower State has lagged in the sensible and compassionate movement towards cannabis reform. While neighboring states have recognized the economic benefits, the medicinal potential, and the simple justice of legalizing cannabis, Kansas has remained stubbornly rooted in outdated prohibition. But a powerful voice is rising above the legislative stalemate: that of Governor Laura Kelly.

Governor Kelly has consistently demonstrated a clear understanding of the need for change. She sees the suffering of Kansans with chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy, and other debilitating conditions who could find relief in medical cannabis. She recognizes the economic opportunities that a regulated cannabis industry could bring to the state, creating jobs and generating much-needed revenue. And she understands that the vast majority of Kansans – a staggering 73% according to recent polling – support legalizing medical marijuana.

Her recent statement, issued as she allowed a right-to-try bill to become law, was a powerful call to action: “Now I think it’s time for the Legislature to finally legalize medical Marijuana, giving the Kansans suffering from chronic pain or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and children suffering with Dravet’s Syndrome (epilepsy) the choice of the treatment they and their doctors determine best suits their needs.”

SB 250, the bill Governor Kelly referenced, is officially titled the “Right to Try for Individualized Treatments Act.” While the Governor mentioned it in a statement advocating for the legalization of medical marijuana, SB 250 itself does not directly legalize cannabis. 

Instead, SB 250 focuses on providing access to individualized investigational treatments for patients with life-threatening or severely debilitating illnesses. These treatments include drugs and biological products tailored to a patient’s unique genetic profile. 

In her statement about SB 250 becoming law without her signature, Governor Kelly used the opportunity to express her strong support for a separate issue: legalizing medical marijuana in Kansas.

So, while SB 250 is about “right to try” for a broader range of individualized treatments, Governor Kelly used its passage to highlight the need for a specific bill legalizing medical cannabis, referencing the potential relief it could offer to Kansans with various medical conditions. 

This isn’t just political rhetoric; it’s a deep human plea for compassion and common sense. Governor Kelly is standing with the overwhelming majority of her constituents, advocating for policies that would improve lives and strengthen the state.

Despite the Governor’s clear stance and the strong public support, progress in the Kansas legislature has been frustratingly slow. As we know, a medical cannabis bill passed the House in 2021 only to stall in the Senate. Efforts to revive the issue have been repeatedly shot down, often by lawmakers clinging to outdated stereotypes and unfounded fears.

Senate President Ty Masterson’s dismissive comments, calling medical cannabis a “nonstarter” and bizarrely linking it to “gang activity,” are not only out of touch with public opinion but also deeply disrespectful to the patients who could benefit from safe and legal access. His assertion that voters don’t understand medical marijuana flies in the face of clear polling data.

Governor Kelly’s continued advocacy provides a crucial glimmer of hope. She is a strong ally in the fight for cannabis reform in Kansas. But her voice alone is not enough.

It’s time for Kansans to make their voices heard. Contact your state legislators. Share your stories. Demand that they listen to the overwhelming majority of their constituents and finally pass sensible cannabis legislation. Let them know that the time for outdated prohibition is over, and the time for compassion, economic opportunity, and common sense has arrived.

Governor Kelly has shown the way. It’s time for the Kansas legislature to follow her lead and finally give the people what they want and what so many desperately need.

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