Trump reclassifies marijuana, but is it any closer to legalization in Kansas?

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – On Thursday, the Donald Trump administration said it’s reclassifying medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

That’s on the federal level — but how does it affect you here in Kansas?

Industry experts said the reclassification will allow more research to be done on medical marijuana, but the impact on Kansas will be minimal.

The Kansas legislature is still a major hurdle, and leadership shows no signs of changing its position.

“It’s great news in the way it’s a domino effect,” said Brett Harris, who owns Kannabliss, a dispensary in Wichita. “You have to have this guy (Trump) on the federal level actually start to fall in regulations. It’s a great first step.”

Harris explained the difference between Schedule I and Schedule III drugs.

“Schedule I is heroin, all the bad opioids, and marijuana has been classified as one for many decades,” he said. “What does Schedule III do for Kansas? Research. Businesses like mine get to have insurance.”

But when will major changes come to the state? Or will they?

“The state of Kansas has to pass their own law to make sure that shift comes from I to III,” Harris said. “When will that happen, on a state level? Who knows.”

KBI director Tony Mattivi has been outspoken about his opposition to legalizing marijuana in any form. He said his position is unchanged even after the reclassification.

Senator Cindy Holscher, a Democrat from Overland Park, shared Harris’ view that for sweeping changes must start with small adjustments.

“I applaud (Trump’s) administration for making this change,” Holscher said. “Medicinal cannabis is finally being acknowledged at the federal level as having health benefits.”

Only Kansas and Idaho have an outright ban on marijuana for recreational and medical use.

The Kansas legislature has failed to pass any bills addressing the issue. Harris hopes this federal reclassification can begin to change minds.

“I think this rescheduling does one thing for the state of Kansas — (shows) how far behind we are,” Harris said. “We’re a non-referendum state. As (Senate president) Ty Masterson said, no cannabis bill as long as I’m in control will ever advance.

“That’s a tough place to be.”