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Kansas Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Tracker

Kansas State Flag

Kansas Hemp & Cannabis Legislation Tracker

Tracking the evolution of hemp and cannabis laws in the Sunflower State

Current Status

Kansas has taken significant steps toward hemp legalization while maintaining strict regulations on cannabis. The state allows industrial hemp production and has a limited medical CBD program, but recreational marijuana remains prohibited.

CBD

Cannabidiol

LEGAL*

*If contains less than 0.3% THC

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol

ILLEGAL

For recreational use

Delta-8 THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol Isomer

RESTRICTED

Legal status contested

CBG

Cannabigerol

LEGAL

From compliant hemp

CBN

Cannabinol

LEGAL

From compliant hemp

Medical THC

Limited Medical Use

RESTRICTED

Very limited program

Legislation Timeline

2018

Senate Bill 263

The Kansas Industrial Hemp Act allowed the Kansas Department of Agriculture to create a research program for industrial hemp cultivation.

2019

Senate Bill 28

Amended the definition of "marijuana" to exempt CBD products containing no more than 0.3% THC, aligning with federal law under the 2018 Farm Bill.

2020

Commercial Industrial Hemp Program

Kansas transitioned from the research phase to a commercial industrial hemp program, allowing for the commercial production of hemp.

2021

House Bill 2244

Modified the Commercial Industrial Hemp Act to align with USDA regulations and create a more business-friendly environment for hemp producers.

2022

Senate Bill 160

Created a regulatory framework for the production and sale of industrial hemp products in Kansas, including testing requirements.

2023

Medical Cannabis Legislation

Multiple bills introduced to create a medical cannabis program, but none passed the full legislature.

2024

Ongoing Legislation

Continued debates on expanding medical cannabis access and clarifying regulations on Delta-8 THC and other hemp derivatives.

Current Hemp & Cannabis Laws

Industrial Hemp

Industrial hemp is legal to grow in Kansas under a licensed program administered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Hemp is defined as Cannabis sativa L. containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.

CBD Products

CBD products are legal in Kansas if they contain no more than 0.3% THC and meet other regulatory requirements. Products must be properly labeled and tested.

Medical Cannabis

Kansas has a very limited medical cannabis program that allows for the use of CBD products with no more than 0.3% THC for certain qualifying conditions. There is no comprehensive medical marijuana program.

Recreational Cannabis

Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Kansas. Possession is a misdemeanor for first-time offenders and can become a felony for subsequent offenses or larger amounts.

Delta-8 THC

The legal status of Delta-8 THC in Kansas is contested. While hemp-derived products are generally legal, there have been enforcement actions against Delta-8 products in some jurisdictions.

State Resources

Kansas Department of Agriculture

Oversees the Industrial Hemp Program and provides information for growers, processors, and distributors.

Phone: (785) 564-6700

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Kansas Attorney General's Office

Provides legal opinions and guidance on hemp and cannabis laws in Kansas.

Phone: (785) 296-2215

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Kansas Legislature

Track pending legislation related to hemp and cannabis in Kansas.

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Kansas Bureau of Investigation

Provides information on enforcement of cannabis laws in Kansas.

Phone: (785) 296-8200

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Kansas Department of Revenue

Information on taxation and licensing for hemp businesses.

Phone: (785) 368-8222

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Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Information on health regulations related to hemp and CBD products.

Phone: (785) 296-1500

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References

  1. Kansas Legislative Research Department. (2023). "Briefing Book 2023: M-1 Industrial Hemp." Kansas Legislature.
  2. Kansas Department of Agriculture. (2023). "Industrial Hemp Program." KDA Hemp Program Reports.
  3. Senate Bill 28. (2019). Kansas Legislature Sessions of 2019.
  4. House Bill 2244. (2021). Kansas Legislature Sessions of 2021.
  5. Senate Bill 160. (2022). Kansas Legislature Sessions of 2022.
  6. Kansas Office of the Attorney General. (2022). "Opinion No. 2022-4: Concerning Delta-8 THC Products."
  7. Kansas Bureau of Investigation. (2023). "Hemp and Cannabis Enforcement Guidelines."
  8. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2023). "State and Tribal Hemp Production Plans: Kansas."