Kansas Legislature to Consider Medical Marijuana Bill

Legislators in the state of Kansas will have the opportunity to consider a bill granting limited protection to some medical cannabis patients.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reported on Jan. 28, 2008 ("Bill Seeks Medical Defense of Marijuana") that A bill introduced in a Senate committee Monday would allow judges to consider a medical condition as defense of marijuana possession. Under the proposal, those with a debilitating illness arrested for the drug's possession could present in court a doctor's written certification that marijuana would offer therapeutic benefits. 'This is simply an issue of compassion,' said Laura Green, director of the Kansas Compassionate Care Coalition that helped draft the measure. The bill would not legalize or decriminalize possessing the drug."

The Capital-Journal noted that "The bill is expected to receive a hearing in mid-February."