There are a lot of questions—and misconceptions—about medical cannabis. The Kansas Cannabis Coalition believes Kansans deserve access to reliable information so they can better understand the conversation surrounding medical cannabis reform.
Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
The Kansas Cannabis Coalition (KCC) is an independent, all-volunteer organization advocating for medical cannabis reform in Kansas. KCC works to educate patients, healthcare professionals, lawmakers, and the public about medical cannabis and the need for a regulated program in Kansas.
Our organization was founded in 2020 and works toward long-term cannabis reform through education, advocacy, and engagement with policymakers.
KCC believes Kansans who use cannabis for medical purposes should have access to safe, tested products through a regulated system rather than being forced to rely on illegal or unregulated sources.
In her 2024 testimony before the Kansas Medical Marijuana Special Committee, KCC President Cheryl Kumberg, RN, argued that Kansas should develop a patient-centered program that provides regulated access while protecting public health and safety.
Yes. There is a growing body of research examining cannabis and its potential therapeutic effects.
KCC's testimony cited an analysis reporting more than 32,000 cannabis-related studies published during the previous 10 years, including more than 4,000 in 2023. The testimony also referenced research involving conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, cancer, anxiety, depression, inflammation, and sleep disorders.
The amount and quality of evidence varies by condition and specific use, which is why continued research and education remain important.
Cannabis has been studied in connection with a wide range of conditions.
The testimony references research involving:
The presence of research does not mean cannabis is an appropriate treatment for every person or every condition. Medical decisions should be individualized.
No.
Cannabis contains hundreds of plant constituents, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. KCC's testimony emphasizes that these compounds can interact with the body's endocannabinoid system and that different cannabis varieties can have different combinations of these compounds.
This is one reason KCC believes a medical program should provide access to multiple forms of cannabis rather than treating every product as interchangeable.
No.
One of the key points in KCC's testimony is that there is no one-size-fits-all cannabis product or dosage.
Different patients may use different forms of cannabis depending on their individual needs. The testimony discusses raw and heated cannabis, tinctures, oils, inhaled products, edibles, and topicals.
Different methods of administration can produce different experiences and durations of effect.
KCC's testimony describes inhaled cannabis as providing relatively quick relief, while ingested products generally last longer. It also discusses topical products and raw, non-intoxicating forms of cannabis.
For KCC, this is an important reason patients should have access to multiple forms of administration.
Raw cannabis contains cannabinoid acids that differ from the compounds produced when cannabis is heated.
KCC's testimony states that raw cannabis is not intoxicating and describes patients using raw forms in products such as teas, capsules, smoothies, and tinctures.
Cannabis use can involve risks, including the possibility of cannabis use disorder. The testimony itself cites research involving addiction and cannabis use disorder.
KCC's testimony also cites the federal government's 2024 rescheduling review and notes the FDA's conclusion that marijuana was less addictive than alcohol, tobacco, and some pharmaceutical drugs.
Understanding both potential benefits and potential risks is an important part of responsible cannabis education.
The traditional “gateway drug” claim is disputed.
KCC's testimony points to research and other sources suggesting that cannabis may, in some circumstances, function as an “exit drug” for people experiencing opioid dependence rather than necessarily leading people toward more dangerous substances.
This remains an area where continued research is important.
KCC's testimony cites research indicating that teen cannabis use did not increase in states following medical cannabis policy reforms. It also notes that medical dispensary systems can use patient registration and identification requirements to restrict access.
Protecting young people is an important consideration in designing any medical cannabis program, and KCC supports appropriate safeguards.
KCC's testimony states that claims of cannabis being routinely laced with fentanyl are unfounded and cites sources addressing the issue.
KCC's broader position is that regulated and tested products can help address concerns about the safety and contents of cannabis products.
KCC believes patients should have access to clean, tested cannabis products.
The Coalition's testimony argues that Kansas can protect public health by establishing a regulated system with appropriate product standards while making products affordable for patients.
According to KCC, a patient-centered program should:
Provide access
Patients should have access to multiple forms of cannabis.
Prioritize safety
Products should be regulated and tested.
Keep medicine affordable
Regulations should avoid unnecessarily driving up the price of cannabis products.
Educate patients and providers
Patients, healthcare professionals, and the public should have access to accurate information.
Protect public health and safety
A medical program should include appropriate safeguards.
Learn from other states
Kansas can examine the experiences of states that have already implemented medical cannabis programs.
Patients have different needs.
KCC's testimony emphasizes that patients may use raw cannabis, tinctures, oils, inhaled products, edibles, or topicals, either individually or in combination. Different forms can also provide different durations of relief.
A patient-centered system should recognize those differences.
Kansas does not have to design a medical cannabis program without looking at what has happened elsewhere.
KCC's testimony notes that Kansas is among the last states to adopt a medical marijuana program and argues that Kansas can learn from states that have already established regulated systems.
That includes examining what has worked, what has not worked, and how programs can balance patient access with public health and safety.
For KCC, the conversation ultimately comes back to the patient.
KCC believes Kansans should have access to regulated, tested medical cannabis products at an affordable price, accompanied by education for patients, healthcare professionals, and the public.
The Coalition's goal is to help Kansas develop a patient-centered medical cannabis program that prioritizes access, safety, affordability, education, and individual patient needs.
Medical cannabis can be complicated, and patients deserve reliable information—not stigma, assumptions, or misinformation.
The Kansas Cannabis Coalition is working to educate Kansans and lawmakers about medical cannabis and advocate for meaningful reform in Kansas.
Want to get involved?
Become a member, volunteer, donor of the Kansas Cannabis Coalition to support medical cannabis reform in Kansas.
This Q&A is based primarily on Cheryl Kumberg, RN's October 16, 2024 testimony before the Kansas Medical Marijuana Special Committee. It is intended as educational information and is not medical advice.
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