Differences in the two bills’ language will likely need to be addressed in a conference committee before being advanced to the Governor’s desk.
Author: NORML
“For years, Kentuckians have been calling for medical cannabis legalization and now they will have the freedom to safely access regulated, therapeutic products right here at home,” said Matthew Bratcher, Executive Director of Kentucky NORML.
Members of the House and Senate have approved legislation, Senate Bill 47, regulating the production and dispensing of cannabis products to authorized patients.
“This is a victory against discrimination toward people who use cannabis,” said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Karen Keiser. “For people using a legal substance — many of them for medical reasons — locking them out of jobs based on a pre-employment test is just plain unfair, and we are putting a stop to it.”
“The progress today is a result of years of grassroots activism. Further, it is a reflection of lawmakers evolving on this issue and being responsive to the will of the electorate, which overwhelmingly favor ending the failed policy of cannabis criminalization in The First State.”
NORML is pleased to announce the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors.
“Members of the DC City government continue to prioritize policies that both advance and protect the freedoms of responsible cannabis consumers. These policies include providing patients with convenient access to regulated medical cannabis products, prohibiting certain employers from discriminating against those who use cannabis while off the job, and providing legal relief to those with past, low-level marijuana convictions.”
“For millions of patients, cannabis is a legitimate therapeutic option. More and more, lawmakers, regulators, and the courts are recognizing this fact and evolving their opinions and policies accordingly.”