Politicians ignore Kansans on cannabis policy. We can make them listen to our voices
As we mark the 87th anniversary of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, which effectively made cannabis illegal in the United States, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact of cannabis prohibition on Kansas residents. Despite a majority of Kansans from all political affiliations supporting the full legalization of cannabis, the state has been slow to enact meaningful reform. This inertia at the state level inspired a group of dedicated individuals to take action, resulting in the formation of the Cannabis Justice Coalition this year.
Board members include my fellow Prairie Village City Council member Ian Graves; Barry Grissom, the U.S. attorney for Kansas from 2010 to 2016 under President Barack Obama; Leslie Byram, an estate planning and probate attorney who regularly works with clients with special medical needs; and Weldon Angelos, a music producer who was sentenced to a 55-year prison term in 2004 for selling $1,000 worth of cannabis and received a full and unconditional pardon by President Donald Trump in 2020.
Along with the board, the coalition brings together a diverse array of individuals, including concerned citizens, key stakeholders and supportive legislators. Their shared vision for cannabis policy reform is driving a movement that will not be silenced. As we stand on the precipice of change, it’s time to join our coalition and work toward a brighter, more just future for all Kansans.
In the last legislative session, we saw the introduction of Senate Bill 555, a bill that promised to create a pilot program for medical cannabis in Kansas. While this may seem like progress, the bill’s provisions fell far short of meeting the needs of patients and responsible adults. The legislation proposed a highly restrictive and monopolistic system, limiting the program to only four cannabis providers who would control the entire supply chain, from growth to manufacture to sale. This kind of centralized control stifles competition, innovation and patient access.
Moreover, the bill’s restrictions on THC levels (capped at 35%) and product types (excluding smoking, vaping and edibles) would not meet the needs of many patients, let alone responsible adults seeking recreational cannabis.
In recent weeks, the Legislative Coordinating Council granted a two-day hearing to further discuss medical marijuana ahead of the 2025 legislative session. A number of local advocates and organizations are fearful that this is an attempt to bring forward another incredibly restrictive bill that is out of sync with what a majority of Kansans want, which is full legalization of cannabis.
That’s why the Cannabis Justice Coalition is holding a rally this Friday, Aug. 2, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at Weltner Park at 79th Street and State Line Road in Prairie Village. This event marks a turning point in our state’s history, as we shed light on the continued disparities in cannabis laws across state lines and their effects on Kansas residents.
At the rally, you’ll hear from a number of pro-cannabis Kansas legislative candidates and advocates who will share their heartfelt personal stories and voice their support for cannabis reform. These individuals understand the importance of compassionate, evidence-based cannabis policy that prioritizes the needs of patients and responsible adults.
Join us at our rally Friday as we come together to demand change and work toward a brighter future for Kansas. It’s time to end the cycle of unfair prohibition that has lasted far too long. Together, we can create a more just and compassionate cannabis policy for our state.
Inga Selders is a member of the Prairie Village City Council and executive director of the bipartisan 501(c)(4) nonprofit Cannabis Justice Coalition, whose mission is to advocate for fair and equitable cannabis laws in Kansas and then work to implement these policy changes throughout the state. Learn more at cannabisjusticecoalition.org
#Politicians #ignore #Kansans #cannabis #policy #listen #voices