House Bill 136 Passes Kentucky House of Representatives

With a vote of 59 Yes to 34 No, House Bill 136, a provision to implement a medical marijuana program in the state of Kentucky, has passed the House of Representatives. An amendment to add PTSD was added and accepted to the list of qualifying conditions. It joins any type or form of cancer regardless of stage; Chronic, severe, intractable, or debilitating pain; Epilepsy or any other intractable seizure disorder; Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity; and Nausea or vomiting.

"I am extremely happy to see forward movement on cannabis reform. Being the most restrictive medical marijuana bill in the country means that HB 136 will only help a small fraction of Kentuckians and with only a few of the many cannabis products that can be produced to aid them. Now that issue of medical marijuana will go to the Kentucky State Senate for the second time. It is our continued hope that Kentucky's Senators will let our state out of the darkness and into the future of medical cannabis. We will continue to fight alongside our fellow marijuana advocacy groups to secure safe, and more inclusive access for ALL of Kentucky's patients." --Lauren Morgan Bratcher, Deputy Director - Kentucky NORML

“We are excited to see that Rep. Nemes' medical cannabis bill has once again been passed through the House of Representative, although at a smaller margin than it was last time. While the bill has several provisions that keep it from being a patient-centric program, it is nonetheless important for the health and safety of our citizens that this bill be passed in the Senate as it is and not add any more amendments that would further limit access to patients. It is a great day for cannabis reform in Kentucky and for all the people who have worked so hard to see it come this far.” Matthew Bratcher, Executive Director - Kentucky NORML

“While we are grateful for our dedicated sponsors and the passage of House Bill 136 in the house chamber today, we must remain steadfast in our efforts towards the senate. Time is short and the misinformation campaigns working against us are out in full force. Persistence is vital to this movement. Stay focused.” Kristin Wilcox, mother of a 13-year-old child with Dravet Syndrome
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The next step in the process is a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Senator Whitney Westerfield of Christian County. No hearing date or Senate Bill number is currently given to HB 136.