“If it’s intoxicating, it’s damaging.”
By Anna Kaminski, Kansas Reflector
Kansas, one of only a few remaining states without medical or recreational marijuana legalization in the United States, hasn’t been scrutinized by government officials for THC-infused products.
A joint committee of legislators on security met Thursday and discussed the question of legality.
Robert Stuart, executive officer for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, explained to lawmakers that while marijuana is illegal in Kansas, THC-infused beverages are considered hemp products and allowed under the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which legalized cannabis plants containing no more than 0.3 percent of a plant’s weight in tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Delta 9 products are often advertised and can be a milder alternative to marijuana due to their lower THC levels.
Rep. Pat Proctor from Leavenworth is a Republican. He asked Stuart, “Should it be illegalized?”
Stuart replied that yes, and bet the KBI position would also remain the same.
He said, “If the substance is intoxicating it will be harmful.”
Alcoholic beverages and THC are only for adults older than 21.
Stuart explained that there are many different social opinions and ways of looking at the issue, but for distributors and dealers as well as members of public it is much easier to understand what exactly is illegal.
Stuart stated that blurred lines makes it hard for retailers to adhere to state laws and make sure consumers are buying safe products, as well as for the law enforcement agencies to carry out criminal investigations.
Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City (Missouri) announced this past month the release of a THC-infused Quirk seltzer called “Berry Jane.” The product will come in two different dosages. It will be available in two dosages, one containing five milligrams of THC while the other contains ten. Next month, they are likely to be available in Kansas and Missouri.
KBI announced a massive crackdown against THC-containing products in the first week of this month. Ten storefronts were raided across six different cities. KBI director Tony Mattivi claimed that these products are harmful to Kansas children.
Republicans blocked progress on the bill. The Kansas House had passed medical marijuana legislation in 2021. A special committee made recommendations to the Legislature the previous year. This issue may come up at the next session before the 2026 election for governor.
Kansas Reflector published this article first.
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