The bill amends K.S.A. 21-5706 to clarify the unlawful possession of controlled substances, categorizing possession of opiates, narcotic drugs, and specific stimulants and depressants as a drug severity level 5 felony, with exceptions for marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols that may lead to lesser charges based on prior convictions. It introduces an affirmative defense for individuals possessing cannabidiol treatment preparations if they meet specific medical criteria and have a valid physician's letter. Additionally, the bill updates K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 65-4105 to reflect current classifications of controlled substances, including various opiates and their derivatives, while deleting references to certain sections related to marijuana, indicating a shift in how these substances are regulated.

Furthermore, the bill proposes significant changes to the legal framework governing controlled substances by introducing new classifications for hallucinogenic substances, cannabinoids, and other psychoactive compounds, detailing their chemical structures and effects on the central nervous system. It clarifies definitions for anabolic steroids and hallucinogenic substances, including dronabinol and tetrahydrocannabinols, while specifying exceptions for industrial hemp and its derivatives. The bill also repeals K.S.A. 21-5706 and K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 65-4105, aiming to modernize the legal definitions and classifications of drugs to align with current scientific understanding and public health considerations. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 21-5706, 65-4105, 65-4109