Cannabis legislation has been hard to pass in Kentucky, which remains one of only a handful of states that have yet to legalize medical marijuana. 2020 was a significant year for the Bluegrass State in terms of marijuana reform, as the Kentucky House of Representatives and Senate both passed a medical marijuana bill, only to be vetoed by Gov. Andy Beshear. Last year, a medical marijuana bill so restrictive it allowed only those suffering from severe chronic pain to access the drug was introduced. It was met with opposition from many lawmakers and advocates, who argued that the bill was too restrictive.
In a surprising move, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order in November 2020 that made medical marijuana available to thousands of Kentuckians suffering from qualifying medical conditions. The order went into effect on January 1, 2023, and made it legal for those with certain qualifying conditions to obtain and use medical marijuana. The order also allowed for the creation of a medical marijuana commission to oversee the program, as well as the creation of a medical marijuana card that patients must obtain in order to access the drug.
The executive order has been met with praise from advocates, who argue that it is a step in the right direction. California Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, emeritus of pharmacy law and policy at the University of Kentucky, applauded the move, saying “It’s a great step forward for the people of Kentucky and those suffering from debilitating diseases.” He added, “It’s an important step forward that will ultimately lead to more humane and effect treatment for those in need.”
The executive order has also been met with criticism from some legislators, who argue that it does not go far enough. Sen. Stephen Daines (R-MT) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) have both spoken out in support of a more expansive medical marijuana program in Kentucky. Daines argued that the executive order “fails to provide a safe, reliable and legal access point for the thousands of Kentuckians who need medical marijuana.”
The next step for Kentucky is to pass a more comprehensive medical marijuana bill that will provide greater access to the drug. In February of 2023, a bill was introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives that would legalize the cultivation, processing, sale, and use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. The bill has been met with a great deal of support from legislators, advocates, and the public, but it remains to be seen if it will gain enough support to pass.
The issue of cannabis legal has been a controversial one in Kentucky, and it remains to be seen if the state will pass a more expansive medical marijuana bill. With the executive order in place, thousands of Kentuckians now have access to medical marijuana, which is a step in the right direction. But the state must continue to work towards a more comprehensive medical marijuana program that will provide greater access to the drug for those who need it.
The issue of cannabis banking has also been a hot topic of debate in Kentucky. Banking for cannabis businesses has been a major hurdle for the industry, as most banks are unwilling to take on the risk of working with marijuana businesses due to federal laws prohibiting marijuana. In February of 2023, Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Steve Daines (R-MT), along with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), spoke about the prospects for cannabis banking legislation, which would provide a more secure and reliable banking system for the industry.
The issue of cannabis banking has been met with a great deal of support from legislators and advocates in Kentucky, who argue that the current system is inadequate and puts the industry at risk. With the introduction of new banking legislation, the industry would be able to operate more securely and reliably, which could lead to greater economic opportunities for the state.
The issue of cannabis legal in Kentucky is still a divisive one, and it is unclear what the future holds for the state. In the past, Gov. Beshear has criticized the legislature's “failure to act” on the issue, and in November, issued an executive order effect Jan. 1, 2023, which opened legal medical marijuana use to “thousands” of Kentuckians in the state. Last year, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin also expressed support for decriminalizing marijuana and advancing legislation to make it legal accessible.
The issue of cannabis legal in Kentucky is still a divisive one, and it remains to be seen if the state will pass a more comprehensive medical marijuana bill in 2023. With the executive order in place, thousands of Kentuckians now have access to medical marijuana, which is a step in the right direction. But the state must continue to work towards a more comprehensive medical marijuana program that will provide greater access to the drug for those who need it.
medical cannabis is now legal in 2023 for some Kentuckians, thanks to an executive order from Gov. Andy Beshear. The order has been met with both support and criticism from legislators and advocates, with many arguing that it does not go far enough. However, it is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that the legislature will pass a more comprehensive medical marijuana bill in the near future.
The issue of cannabis banking has also been a hot topic of debate in Kentucky, as most banks are unwilling to take on the risk of working with marijuana businesses due to federal laws prohibiting marijuana. In February of 2023, Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Steve Daines (R-MT), along with Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), spoke about the prospects for cannabis banking legislation, which would provide a more secure and reliable banking system for the industry.
Hemp has also become a major part of the cannabis industry in Kentucky. Last year, the Kentucky House Agriculture Committee heard a presentation on Hemp, which is now legal to grow and process in the state. Hemp has drastically changed Dee Dee Taylor's life for the better, as she is now able to grow and process her own Hemp products. Taylor has become a major advocate for Hemp and cannabis, and she is hopeful that the state will continue to pursue legislation that will make cannabis and Hemp accessible to everyone.
As 2023 approaches, the future of cannabis and Hemp in Kentucky remains uncertain. While the executive order from Gov. Beshear has opened legal medical marijuana use to “thousands” of Kentuckians, it is still unclear if the state will pass a more comprehensive medical marijuana bill. In the meantime, advocates, legislators and the public are hopeful that the state will continue to pursue legislation that will make cannabis and Hemp accessible to everyone.
