Official says it would be easier to legalize adult-use than MMJ

As Kansas lawmakers once again take up the issue of marijuana reform, a top state regulator is advising that it would be "easier to implement" recreational legalization first, rather than start with a medical cannabis program as other states have done.

Ahead of the 2025 session, the legislature's Special Committee on Medical Marijuana held an exhaustive, seven-hour hearing on Wednesday to gather input from state agencies, law enforcement groups, stakeholders, and the general public on the best path forward for reform.

Members heard a mix of testimony in support of and in opposition to enacting legalization, with many officials offering guidance on their department's individual needs and recommendations for policies around regulatory models, qualifying conditions, licensing, labeling, and more.

Sen. Michael Fagg (R), chair of the special committee, said at the end of Wednesday's meeting that members will be holding a second hearing on medical cannabis issues, but he didn't specify when that would take place. He said "we'll have a discussion at the backside of the next one as to how we should go from there."