Kentucky Senate Committee Advances Medical Marijuana Bill for Serious Health Conditions

FRANKFORT, KY - The Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee has advanced a SB 47, a bill that would allow people with serious medical conditions to use medicinal cannabis in Kentucky. The bill’s primary sponsor, Sen. Stephen West, R-Paris, described the measure and the work surrounding it as “a long road.”

Several medical conditions could qualify someone to use the product, including cancer, chronic and other types of pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, chronic nausea, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Before accessing cannabis, patients would have to register and receive approval for a special identification card. Patients under 18 years old would not be allowed to possess, purchase, or acquire medicinal cannabis without the assistance of a designated caregiver. The bill would also create separate licenses for cultivators, dispensers, and producers.

If the bill passes, Kentucky will join the 37 states that have legalized medical cannabis in the United States. The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes has been a topic of debate in Kentucky for years, and this latest development marks a significant step forward for the movement.

Matthew Bratcher, Executive Director of Kentucky NORML commented on the passing; “We are thrilled to witness the Senate L&O Committee's passing of the medical marijuana bill, marking an important milestone towards improving patient access and protections. While there is still much work to be done in achieving comprehensive reform, this is a positive step in the right direction. We remain committed to advocating for the continued progress of medical marijuana legislation and ensuring that patients have safe and reliable access to the care they need.”

Kentucky NORML believes that individuals with serious medical conditions deserve access to safe and effective treatment options, and we commend Sen. Stephen West and the members of the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee for taking this important step towards making medical cannabis a reality in Kentucky.

SB 47 received a second reading Wednesday March 15, 2023. With Thursday, March 16 being the last day before veto period starts, Kentucky NORML expects a third reading and senate floor vote that day.

We encourage all medical cannabis supporters in Kentucky to call 1-800-372-7181 and leave messages for your lawmakers. “VOTE YES ON SB 47. Kentucky patients deserve medical cannabis policy reform!”

Follow up with an email. Our mailing system will sort your emails by address so ensure they go to the correct legislator. You can customize the letter or use our prewritten letter for convenience. 

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/support-sb-47-medical-cannabis