2/23/2010: Three years ago Kansas had a medical cannabis organization called the Kansas Compassionate Care Coalition, or KSCCC, based in Lawrence and founded and directed by Laura Green. Through Green's hard work and dedication, KSCCC was successful in getting medical defense legislation introduced in the Kansas Senate. In February 2008 a hearing was held but the bill died in committee. When the recession began, funding for the organization began to dry up and KSCCC slowly disintegrated.

As a volunteer researcher and records keeper with KSCCC I was "out of work" and wanted to find another medical cannabis organization with which to volunteer. I contacted the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) and offered my services to director Arthur Livermore. Arthur offered me a "job" as writer and editor of an online monthly newsletter he wanted to start, and appointed me Kansas director of the organization.

Doing the newsletter didn't keep me busy enough and it eventually dawned on me that I might be able to do something with the contacts from KSCCC I still had. I was inspired to use my limited knowledge of HTML to create a website and see if I could attract attention to our mission. I resolved to try to accomplish as much as possible with what God has given me and not to solicit funds, so God decided to find me a volunteer funder, which has helped me find several superb volunteers around the state.

When I created this network I did not plan toward having legislation this year. My primary goal was to provide a way for everyone interested in medical cannabis, for whatever reason, to connect with one another and find solid information and resources. Another important goal was to provide the simplest way possible for people to get their voices heard, spread the truth and raise awareness about medical cannabis throughout our state.

Representative Finney surprised us when she introduced HB 2610, or the Medical Marijuana Act, necessitating immediate action. Although there seems to be little chance of passage this year we are doing everything we possibly can to help it along. One thing is for sure--if it doesn't pass this year we will certainly be prepared for the challenge next year!

If you know of someone who needs medical cannabis, please tell them about us. Thank you very much for your interest in medcankan.org. Please visit us often.