At the heart of Humans of Cannabis in a Renaissance of Hope are the voices of people who have found relief, resilience, and empowerment through cannabis. Each of the over 50 stories in this book, including NORML founder, Keith Stroup, and JM Pedini, Development Director of NORML and many other advocates, entrepreneurs, and patients, highlights the deeply personal journeys of those who’ve advocated and turned to cannabis for their health, healing, or hope.

For many Kentuckians being charged with possession of marijuana can affect their life in a number of ways. Now that the state has legalized medical cannabis, it’s reignited calls by advocates to automatically wipe some charges from people’s criminal records.

Over 300,000 Kentuckians have been charged with violating state marijuana laws since 2002, according to an analysis provided by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.

Over 90 percent of those charged were accused of violating marijuana possession laws – a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 45 days in jail and a criminal record. About 59 percent of those charged with violating state marijuana laws were convicted.

In an effort to address racial disparity in drug arrests, the Jefferson County Attorney's Office will no longer prosecute people for possession of a small amount of marijuana when that is the only or primary charge.