Minutes for SB560 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs

Short Title

Enacting the medical marijuana regulation act to regulate the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and use of medical marijuana.

Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 17, 2022

The Chairman resumed the hearing on SB 560 and called for testimony on the bill.

Proponent John Hennessey discussed the problems and experiences of other states and recommended that the legislature take into account the entities that can contribute and should benefit from the outcome of this policy.

(Attachment 7)

Proponent Juanita Ramos discussed an amendment that would establish a process to implement clinical trial dosage studies of substances derived from the cannabis plant. Ms. Ramos also offered a technology involving a high controlled form of medication, an applicator and a product containing a unique DNA tracking capability.

(Attachment 8)

Proponent Jim Ricketts shared his personal struggles of both he and his wife to stay off highly addictive opioids while remaining in the State of Kansas and be allowed to legally access the relief that he claims is provided by the smoking of medical marijuana.

(Attachment 9)

Proponent Meg Sparrow stated support for the bill and suggested some changes to the current bill.

(Attachment 10)

Proponent Byron Adinoff discussed some problematic provisions in the bill.

(Attachment 11)

Committee questions and comments ensued.

Neutral Debbi Beavers expressed some concerns about the effective date of the bill that she predicted could create a conflict for promulgating regulations and suggested that the provisions do not provide sufficient legal council. Ms. Beavers requested a few definitions including the definition of "cultivate". Ms. Beavers outlined other requests for definition additions and changes.

(Attachment 12)

Neutral Eric Stafford requested that the committee delete sections 68, 69 and 70 and upon doing so his organization would support the bill.

(Attachment 13)

Neutral Nick Reinecker suggested that the term of marijuana be changed to cannabis.

(Attachment 14)

Neutral Dustin Rogge suggested that cannabis is safer than other pain relieving options and called for maximum pharmacist involvement as the experts of drug therapies.

(Attachment 15)

Neutral Doug Jorgensen explained how the bill would affect his agency and what he would need in additional resources to support the provisions of the bill.

(Attachment 16)

Neutral Kay Haug submitted concerns and considerations that would aid the agency in supporting the provisions of the bill.

(Attachment 17)

Neutral Alexandra Blasi indicated her agency's support for the inclusion of physician, pharmacist and the K-TRACS system in the dispensation of medical marijuana.

(Attachment 18)

Opponent Robert Jacobs expressed very serious concerns and implications of the use of medical marijuana implementation from other states. Mr. Jacobs identified the link between regulation and enforcement as very important. Mr. Jacobs explained the potential difficulties and impacts on law enforcement forensic laboratories.

(Attachment 19)

Written-Only Neutral:

John Goodyear, League of Kansas Municipalities

(Attachment 20)

Rob Tinsley, Self

(Attachment 21)

Ruth Glover, Kansas Human Rights Commission

(Attachment 22)

Todd Fleischer, Optometric Assn

(Attachment 23)

Written-Only Opponent:

Ed Woods, Self