Kentucky to Discuss Legalizing Cannabis

While most Midwestern states are still clinging to prohibition, Kentucky is actually considering a plan to legalize recreational cannabis in the wake of November’s election results.

The proposed bill, known as BR408, was drafted by Democratic Senator Perry Clark, and aims to establish a taxed and regulated market for cannabis. Much like in other recreational states, cannabis would be regulated similarly to alcohol.

If the bill became law, Kentucky residents would be able to carry up to one ounce on their person, and grow up to five plants for personal use. Because Kentucky is a state that has faced a lot of financial issues, and one that has incarcerated a lot of cannabis prisoners, this bill could mean great things for the state.

In addition to this bill, the state has also introduced the Cannabis Compassion Act of 2017, which aims to only legalize medical cannabis. Clark has tried to introduce cannabis legislation similar to his new bill in the past, such as the “Cannabis Freedom Act,” a previous proposal designed to keep cannabis users out of jail.

In addition to the Cannabis Compassion Act, legislative meetings took place over the summer discussing the possibility of medical cannabis, and Governor Matt Bevin, despite being a hardline Republican, has agreed to support legalization of medical cannabis as long as it was treated like a prescription drug and regulated closely.

In February, it will be revealed which bills made it for serious consideration and which fell by the wayside, and luckily, there are several cannabis bills up for consideration. Although it may still be a bit too early for Kentucky to fully legalize cannabis, they are clearly thinking about ways to make recreational legalization a reality, and they are moving steadily towards a more inclusive and reasonable cannabis policy.