How Do I Get a Kansas Medical Marijuana Card?
Find a Licensed Physician
As in almost every other MMJ program in the United States, getting a medical marijuana card in Kansas would involve finding a licensed healthcare provider. The early days of any program would prove challenging for prospective MMJ patients as they would find it tough to locate doctors willing to provide written certification.
In states where this has proven the case, MMJCardOnline has come to the rescue. We have connected patients with our providers and enabled them to get a consultation with a cannabis-friendly doctor. If MMJ becomes legal in Kansas, our partners will ultimately step in to help patients again.
Schedule an Appointment
The next step involves chatting to a doctor about your possible use of medical marijuana. While some states permit online consultation, it seems improbable that KS will follow suit. Instead, you will need to visit the physician for a face-to-face consultation. During the 15-minute appointment, the doctor will review your medical records, perform a physical examination and ask why you believe you need medical marijuana.
If the doctor is satisfied you’re eligible for MMJ, they will provide a written certification. You need this documentation to proceed with your application.
Register with the Official Kansas Medical Marijuana Program
Most states with MMJ programs require applicants to complete an online application on the official state government website. Therefore, it is likely that you’ll need to sign up for a KS state government account and register with the medical marijuana program. All you can do is wait to see if the state accepts your application. If it does, you should receive your MMJ card in the mail. Now, you’re free to buy medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary.
How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Kansas – A Step-by-Step Guide
- Check the state’s list of qualifying conditions to see if you’re potentially eligible
- Find a licensed physician within the state
- Schedule an appointment and explain to the physician why you believe medical marijuana could help
- Once you get the doctor’s written certification, register with the state’s official MMJ program
- Submit your application online and wait
- If approved, you will get your medical marijuana card in the mail
- Now you are legally permitted to buy MMJ according to your state program’s guidelines
*The above are hypothetical steps since medical marijuana is not legal in Kansas
Kansas Medical Marijuana Card Qualifying Conditions
Like other states with medical marijuana programs, you would only be eligible for an MMJ card in Kansas if you meet the following criteria:
- Are aged 18+
- Are a resident of Kansas
- Have one of the qualifying conditions
Patient Qualifying Conditions
One of the most prominent MMJ bills proposed thus far is Senate Bill 135. It outlines 21 qualifying conditions, including:
- Epilepsy
- Cancer
- MS
- Chronic pain
- PTSD
SB 135 also suggests that patients with any debilitating, terminal or chronic condition detrimental to their physical and mental health, if left untreated, would be deemed eligible.
General Guidelines
We want to say that Kansas is moving closer to medical marijuana legalization. In reality, there remains stiff opposition to plans, so residents will likely have to wait a few more years to see an MMJ program in Kansas. However, it is important to explain what a medical marijuana program in KS would look like. Therefore, the following information is primarily based on the SB 135 bill tabled by a Senate committee.
Medical Marijuana Card Renewal in Kansas
According to existing proposals, an MMJ card would only be valid for 90 days. Then a doctor would need to renew their written certification for another three periods. Patients would also need to see the physician for an annual physical examination.
Caregiver Rules
The rules surrounding caregivers are unclear, although it is probable that MMJ patients would be permitted to have at least one.
A Brief History of Cannabis in Kansas
Kansas banned marijuana in 1927 and has resisted all attempts at legalization since. Indeed, it is the only American state that doesn’t allow any THC in CBD oil. There are several medical marijuana bills on the table, with SB 135 among the best known.
However, this legislation may go the same way as other proposals. For example, Senate Bill 560, which would have legalized MMJ, died in the committee during the final days of the 2021 legislative session. Other marijuana-related bills include SB 171 and HB 2363. Alas, it seems as if no further progress will be made until 2024 at the earliest.
Kansas Medical Marijuana Laws and Rules
It is only legal to buy and possess CBD products containing 0% THC. If you’re found in possession of an item with ANY amount of THC, you could spend six months in prison. This applies to standard CBD oil products containing up to 0.3% THC. Possessing 450+ grams of products with THC is a felony with a possible prison term of 42 months as the punishment.
Likewise, the sale or distribution of any amount of THC is a felony with a possible 51-month prison term. The cultivation of 5+ marijuana plants could see you spend almost seven years in jail! Clearly, Kansas is among the least tolerant states in America regarding marijuana or THC.
What Types of Cannabis Products Can I Purchase in KS?
According to SB 135, vaping and smoking marijuana would remain illegal. Therefore, patients can buy flower but smoking it isn’t permitted. Patients may also have access to products such as capsules, tinctures, and perhaps edibles. The bill also has maximum potency limits. For example, the maximum THC content for flower is 35%, while oils, concentrates, and tinctures would have a max THC of 60%. Patches can have a maximum of 10mg of THC apiece, while edibles can have a maximum of 3.5mg of THC each.
How Much Cannabis Can I Buy & Possess?
Patients could buy and possess a 30-day supply of marijuana, set at three ounces as a minimum. If a patient wants a higher limit, they require written certifications from two doctors outlining the “compelling” medical reasons why the person needs more.
Where Can I LEGALLY Purchase MMJ in Kansas?
We won’t know much about how many dispensaries will be available unless the state legalizes medical marijuana.
Can I Take My MMJ to a Different State?
No. It is a federal offense to bring marijuana across state lines. However, SB 135 has a reciprocity provision, which means Kansas would accept out-of-state MMJ cards.
Can I Cultivate Medical Marijuana in Kansas?
It is very unlikely that Kansas MMJ patients would be allowed to cultivate marijuana in private residences.
FAQ About Getting an MMJ Card in Kansas
It is impossible to say how long it will take unless an MMJ program is in place.
Our providers offer money-back guarantees, so you earn a full refund if you don’t receive a doctor’s certification.
According to SB 135, the application fee would be $50. Also, a doctor’s consultation usually costs at least $200 and often more in other states with MMJ programs.
Minors could likely apply for medical marijuana with the permission and assistance of a parent or legal guardian who would probably need to act as a caregiver.