Kansas

MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENTS & CAREGIVERS 

Individuals who possess CBD treatment preparations containing tetrahydrocannabinol at a concentration of no more than 5% relative to the cannabidiol concentration in the preparation, provided the individual has a medically diagnosed debilitating medical condition and is under active treatment by a Kansas-licensed physician.

Kansas has not enacted a patient registration system, caregiver program, or licensed dispensary network.

Americans for Safe Access supports the right of all patients to access medical cannabis. Kansas residents who wish to advocate for a medical cannabis program in their state can learn how to get involved with Americans for Safe Access patient advocacy.

Cannabis Product Safety:

Cannabis, in its natural form, is inherently safe for most patients, but it is especially susceptible to contaminants during cultivation, manufacturing, handling & even storing. Whether you are purchasing cannabis from regulated, grey, or illicit markets or cultivating your own cannabis, you should be aware of the contaminants commonly found in cannabis and the symptoms that accompany their presence.

For more information about cannabis safety, download ASA's "What’s in Your Cannabis? A Patient & Consumer Guide to Navigating Cannabis Safety."

FEDERAL LAW & PATIENT PROTECTIONS

*UPDATE: AG ORDER NO. 6754-2026 CHANGED FEDERAL CANNABIS LAWS  ON APRIL 28, 2026: Learn more here.

Federal cannabis laws affect far more than whether a patient can access medical cannabis. For decades, federal prohibition has limited protections for medical cannabis patients under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA). As a result, patients have often been denied the basic protections that people with other serious health conditions expect in employment, housing, healthcare, and access to federal programs.

Federal prohibition has also affected patients’ access to essential healthcare, housing, and financial support programs, sometimes forcing patients to choose between the medicine they need and the benefits they depend on. It has also created barriers to federal employment, healthcare autonomy, firearm ownership, and other aspects of daily life.

As federal and state cannabis laws change, implementation matters. Advocates must stay vigilant to ensure public agencies, private institutions, employers, housing providers, and healthcare systems update their policies in ways that respect patient rights and protect safe, legal access to medical cannabis.

It is important to stay active, engaged, and informed. Sign up to get ASA updates and learn more about ending patient discrimination. 

Rights and protections for medical cannabis patients are evolving. In some cases, outdated policies may impact how patients are treated. In other cases, like those in the military, policy changes will have to come from Washington, DC. In the case of organ transplants, stigma still plays a role in medical cannabis patients having access to life-saving treatment, even if state laws ban discrimination.  Please use the resources below to better understand patient rights and how to navigate these programs and services. 

    

It is illegal to cross state lines, even if the bordering state also has a medical cannabis program. For more information about traveling as a medical cannabis patient, check out our Travel Guide. 

Stigma and discrimination also make patients targets for law enforcement encounters. Keep in mind that the best law enforcement encounter is the one that never occurs! It's crucial for individuals involved in medical cannabis to understand not only medical cannabis laws and regulations but also their rights. Be Prepared. Know Your Rights!

Medical cannabis patients can find additional resources here.

Get Involved! Learn more about ASA Campaigns and Take Action to improve the lives of medical cannabis patients today! 

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QUALIFYING PATIENTS IN KANSAS

To qualify for cannabis oil treatment in Kansas, you must be a patient currently being treated by your doctor for a debilitating medical condition. Ask your doctor about medical cannabis, they will write you a letter certifying their approval for your use which you must keep on your person as long as you are in possession of the cannabis oil.

Eligible conditions:

State law defines a debilitating medical condition as "a medically diagnosed chronic disease or medical condition causing a serious impairment of strength or ability to function, including one that produces seizures, for which the patient is under current and active treatment by a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery in Kansas."

Becoming a Patient as a Minor:

The process for becoming a patient as a minor in Kansas is the same as that for an adult.

Benefits of Being a Patient:

As a patient you will have an affirmative defense for the possession of cannabis oil containing less than 5% THC so long as you have your doctor's note in your possession.

Out-of-State Patients:

The state of Kansas does not recognize Out-of-State patient registrations. For more information about traveling as a medical cannabis patient, check out our Travel Guide.

Home Cultivation:

Growing cannabis at home is illegal in the state of Kansas.

Medical cannabis patients can find additional resources here

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