Kentucky, home state of evil Emperor Mitch McConnell, is legalizing medical marijuana

As part of the legislative progress, the Kentucky House of Representatives has given the green light to a medical marijuana legalization bill previously passed by the Senate. The bill, proposed by Senator Stephen West (R), was run through by the House Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations Committee before voting 66-33 to pass it. The governor’s signature is the final step in becoming law.

Gov. Andy Beshear (D)’s unwavering support has been instrumental in driving the reform push forward, and he urged citizens to mobilize and persuade their state representatives to approve the bill earlier this week. With this monumental decision, Kentucky is poised to join the ranks of 37 other states across the US that have introduced thorough regulation of medicinal cannabis.

A cautious and careful approach

Awaiting the crucial vote in the House of Representatives, Rep. Jason Nemes (R) — who has been the driving force behind the medical marijuana legislation in the chamber for several sessions — stressed that the proposed law is significantly stricter than similar programs in other states. He emphasized that smoking and personal cultivation are strictly prohibited, while a genuine relationship between the patient and their healthcare provider is required.

Lawmakers are taking a cautious and systematic approach to ensuring legislation is carefully drafted and implemented, according to Rep. Jason Nemes (R). “We want to proceed cautiously and make sure we don’t rush anything. We want to make sure that everything is in order during the administrative process,” he explained. Meanwhile, Rep. Daniel Grossberg (D) backed the bill, saying opposition to legalizing medical marijuana persists due to misguided beliefs and ignorance.

Despite concerns that legalizing medical marijuana could exacerbate drug abuse or serve as a gateway drug, Rep. Daniel Grossberg (D) claimed the evidence suggests otherwise. With more than 30 states already legalizing medical marijuana, opioid use has declined rather than increased.

Additionally, Grossberg emphasized that the legalization of medical marijuana could represent a significant economic boost for Kentucky, potentially generating tax revenue and job opportunities in the burgeoning cannabis industry. Kentucky should seize the opportunity to be a leader in this area and not let it slip.

There was much optimism among supporters of the medical marijuana bill, especially given previous efforts by the House of Representatives to introduce similar measures in previous sessions, only for them to falter in the Senate. However, this year proved to be a departure from previous patterns, as the Senate took the reins and spearheaded advances in legalizing medicinal cannabis.

Details on SB 47

Individuals with cancer, epilepsy, severe pain, multiple sclerosis, chronic nausea, muscle spasms or spasticity, cyclical vomiting, PTSD, or other qualifying medical conditions as determined by the Kentucky Center for Cannabis may be eligible to use cannabis. Eligibility is guaranteed if they have a doctor’s or post-nurse referral. Smoking cannabis would be prohibited under this law, but patients would still be able to access raw cannabis for vaping.

Under the proposed law, patients would not be able to grow cannabis in their homes. Instead, they would be allowed to carry a 30-day supply of cannabis at home and a 10-day supply with them. Additionally, the bill stipulates that marijuana flower products should contain no more than 35% THC, while concentrates should not exceed 70% THC. A maximum THC concentration of 10 milligrams per serving applies to edibles. Notably, medical cannabis would also be exempt from sales and use taxes.

The program would fall under the purview of the Health and Family Services Cabinet, which would be responsible for setting regulations and issuing business licenses. The license categories include three levels: growers, growers, processors, dispensaries and security facilities.

While local governments could choose not to allow cannabis businesses to operate, citizens would have the option to petition to get their municipalities back on board. A panel of physicians and advisers, consisting of seven physicians and two postgraduate nurses, would be established to oversee this program. The regulations must be finalized by January 1, 2024. Additionally, the State Board of Physicians and the State Board of Nursing would allow practitioners to recommend cannabis.

The policy behind the medical cannabis bill

Bills legalizing medicinal cannabis were introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives in previous sessions but failed to advance in the Senate. That’s why this year’s proponents focused on the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer (R) has been a major obstacle to reform and has consistently resisted sweeping reform of medical cannabis policy on the grounds that it could accelerate full legalization of recreational use. Delta-8 THC has also been banned at the state level in Kentucky.

Despite his previous opposition, Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer (R) has recently expressed his willingness to support legislation legalizing medicinal cannabis. He said he would not impede the bill’s progress if he had enough support. In a recent committee vote, Thayer approved the bill, citing its “narrowly focused approach” as the reason for his change of heart. He also supported the bill in the Senate.

In his Commonwealth State speech in January, Governor Beshear urged lawmakers to legalize medicinal cannabis during this session, calling it a crucial reform to ensure the state is “doing what is right for its people”. This followed the governor’s signing of two administrative directives in November that allowed patients who met certain criteria to possess a maximum of 8 ounces of medical cannabis legally purchased from non-state dispensaries and the sale of delta-8-THC -Products regulated.

Diploma

Kentucky has been added to the list of states in the US that have legalized medicinal cannabis with the passage of a comprehensive medicinal cannabis law. The law allows patients with qualifying medical conditions access to cannabis with a doctor’s or advanced nurse’s recommendation, but smoking is not permitted. Patients are also not allowed to grow cannabis at home.

The program will be overseen by the Health and Family Services Cabinet, with a nine-member committee of doctors and advisers being established. While there have been previous attempts to legalize medicinal cannabis in Kentucky, the Senate bill has stalled. That year, however, the Senate took the lead to move the issue forward, and the bill eventually passed both houses. The legalization of medical cannabis is intended to create employment opportunities and generate tax revenue for the state.

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