On Thursday, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear said the Republican-led legislature needs to pass a medical marijuana bill by the end of this year’s legislative session, or he will consider taking executive action to expand access.
Polling shows Kentuckians overwhelmingly support legalizing medical marijuana and during a news conference, Beshear said lawmakers need to “represent the people.”
“When 70-plus percent of a state is in favor of something it’s time for the General Assembly to step up and do something about it,” Beshear said.
Medical marijuana is legal in 37 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Guam and The Virgin Islands.
Under House Bill 136, Kentuckians with certain medical conditions would be able to get a prescription for cannabis, though they wouldn’t be able to smoke it.
The bill would also create a framework to regulate farmers, processors, dispensaries and safety testers. Doctors would only be able to prescribe it to people with multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy and nausea.
The measure passed out of the state House of Representatives last month, but has stalled in the Senate, which has historically been more conservative on the issue.
Lawmakers only have two more days to pass bills during this year’s legislative session–April 13 and 14.
When asked if he can take executive action if the legislature fails to pass a medical marijuana bill, Beshear said, “We’re going to explore…
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On Thursday, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear said the Republican-led legislature needs to pass a medical marijuana bill by the end of this year’s legislative session, or he will consider taking executive action to expand access.
Polling shows Kentuckians overwhelmingly support legalizing medical marijuana and during a news conference, Beshear said lawmakers need to “represent the people.”
“When 70-plus percent of a state is in favor of something it’s time for the General Assembly to step up and do something about it,” Beshear said.
Medical marijuana is legal in 37 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Guam and The Virgin Islands.
Under House Bill 136, Kentuckians with certain medical conditions would be able to get a prescription for cannabis, though they wouldn’t be able to smoke it.
The bill would also create a framework to regulate farmers, processors, dispensaries and safety testers. Doctors would only be able to prescribe it to people with multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy and nausea.
The measure passed out of the state House of Representatives last month, but has stalled in the Senate, which has historically been more conservative on the issue.
Lawmakers only have two more days to pass bills during this year’s legislative session–April 13 and 14.
When asked if he can take executive action if the legislature fails to pass a medical marijuana bill, Beshear said, “We’re going to explore…
