Can you buy legal weed and bring it back to Kansas this holiday season? What the law says
Legalizing the recreational and medical use marijuana has been the topic of debate in multiple states in recent years, with several moving to allow use of cannabis to varying degrees.
Recreational use of weed is legalized in 24 U.S. states as of the end of 2023, while medical allowances have been made in many of those and several others. But Kansas is not among the bunch. Marijuana remains illegal in Kansas for medical and recreational use, but is legal in some bordering states.
In fact, Kansas, Idaho, Wyoming and South Carolina are the only states where marijuana in all forms is completely illegal and criminalized. Texas, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia allow cannabidiol (CBD) use with THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), as long as the amount of THC does not surpass 0.3%.
Kansas law allows CBD use without THC.
If you’re planning to travel over state lines this holiday season and considering purchasing legal marijuana and bringing it home to Kansas, here’s what to know about the legality of the practice.
What Kansas border states have legalized marijuana?
Marijuana is completely legal in Colorado and Missouri, and for medical use has been legalized in Oklahoma. It’s fully illegal, but decriminalized in Nebraska.
Purchasing laws vary between states. In Colorado, those 21 years of age and older can possess 2 ounces of marijuana, according to NORML, an advocacy organization that tracks legalization and criminalization of cannabis in the U.S. In Missouri, people 21 years of age and older are allowed to purchase 3 ounces of recreational weed at a time.
While many states are only recently legalizing cannabis use, marijuana became legal in Colorado in November 2012, but laws can differ in different by city and county.
Medical marijuana became legal in Missouri in 2018, while recreational marijuana use was just legalized in 2022.
In Colorado and Missouri, selling weed to a minor is illegal, as is driving under the influence of marijuana. For those in Colorado specifically, driving with 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood is considered under the influence. It’s also illegal to drive with open containers of the products.
You do not need to be a permanent resident of either state to purchase weed there, all you need is government-issued identification showing you’re 21 years or older.
Can you bring legal weed into Kansas?
No. Even if marijuana was purchased legally in another state, it’s illegal to possess in the state of Kansas.
In fact, while weed has been legalized in some states, it’s still illegal at a federal level. Potential penalties for possession vary based on how much marijuana is transported, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
In Kansas, marijuana possession is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by a maximum of six months imprisonment and a maximum fine of $1,000 for the first time offense.
