Kentucky NORML and Other Organizations to Push for Cannabis Policy Reform on Jan 3, 2023

Members Of Kentucky Legislature Join Patients, Activists, And Business Leaders To Lobby Marijuana Decriminalization and a Medical Marijuana Program

Frankfort, KY - On January 3rd, Kentucky NORML, will be joined by multiple organizations, coming together at the start of the 2023 Kentucky General Assembly to show legislators the importance and need for cannabis policy reform in the Commonwealth. Organizations from across the political spectrum will join together to stand in solidarity to persuade legislators to make the right decision on cannabis policy reform this session.

“While Governor Beshear’s recent historic action is an important step toward cannabis justice in the Commonwealth, Kentuckians are ready for and deserve more,” said Matthew Bratcher, Executive  Director. “Kentucky NORML is committed to working with legislators to advance the pragmatic and sensible cannabis policies supported by their constituents and our membership.”

Decriminalizing cannabis possession would also have practical benefits, such as freeing up law enforcement resources and saving taxpayer money currently being wasted on the prosecution and incarceration of individuals for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Legalizing and regulating medical or adult-use cannabis would also create new economic opportunities and generate tax revenue, as well as create jobs and a new above ground cannabis industry.

In addition, there is a growing body of evidence showing that cannabis has been shown to have a number of medicinal benefits, and allowing access in Kentucky would bring these potential benefits to patients across the state. 

Agenda

11:00AM:    Decriminalization Rally. Capitol Rotunda

• Representative Nima Kulkarni
• Kungu Njuguna, Policy Strategist, ACLU of Kentucky
• Sheri Ray, Law Enforcement  Action Partnership (LEAP)
• Matthew Bratcher, Executive Director, Kentucky NORML
• Marcus Ray, President, NAACP of Kentucky
• CJ Carter, Executive Director, Minorities of Medical Marijuana
• Robbie Bickett - Bickett & Boone CBD Company
• Martin Smith - President, Kentucky Hemp Farmers Association
• Grace Henderson - Director, Kentucky Cannabis Freedom Coalition (KCFC)
• Patrick Dunegan - Executive Director, Kentucky Cannabis Freedom Coalition (KCFC)

12:00PM:    Decriminalization Bill filing, Rotunda

• Representative Kulkarni, House of Representatives

12:30PM    Interviews, Networking, and Lunch Breaks 

1:30PM:    Tunnel Walk with Legislators, Capitol Tunnel

• Kentucky Moms for Medical Marijuana​

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Kentucky NORML’s 2023 Legislative Agenda

Governor Andy Beshear is the first to see the Medical Cannabis Tunnel Exhibit and the Banner supporting Kentuckians Medical Cannabis Patients - 12/28/22

Kentucky State Capitol Grounds Map

Decriminalization Rally Graphic

Endorsing Organizations for the Decriminalization of Cannabis

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