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Our Stance on Cannabis Policy Reform for Kentucky

12/26/2022

3 Comments

 
There is debate about which type of cannabis reform policy is most needed in Kentucky. Some people think decriminalization is the top priority, while others argue that the state should focus on medical cannabis for patients. Others are only concerned with adult use and a regulated market. All of these issues are important, but for vastly different reasons. At Kentucky NORML, we believe there is a statistically proven path to follow when introducing cannabis reform policies and legislation to a state.

There are two main components to cannabis policy reform. The first is a decriminalization policy alongside a medical cannabis program. The second is adult use for those over 21. As a consumer protection organization, we do support adult use, but only after achieving the first step of decriminalization and medical cannabis. Therefore, in 2023, we will focus solely on decriminalization and medical cannabis.
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Sponsor a special project for #KYGA23

12/21/2022

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12/21/2022

​We are working on a special project for 2023 Kentucky General Assembly and we need your help making this project a reality.

Kentucky NORML will be printing a series of Informational 18"x24" posters to be displayed at the Capitol in various locations, We are not at liberty to divulge exactly where they will be placed until after session starts but rest assured that they will be extremely visible and effective. So we need YOU to a sponsor a poster or two! ​
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Decriminalization Rally Jan 2023

12/13/2022

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Kentucky NORML's mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to decriminalize the use of cannabis in Kentucky, along with a robust, accessible, and affordable medical cannabis program. We will continue further to fight for adult use and to serve as an advocate for consumers and patients to assure they have access to a higher quality of cannabis that is safely regulated, affordable and accessible. ​
Please join us Tuesday (1/3/23) at 11 A.M. CST for a Rally for the Decriminalization of Cannabis!

Come hear and amplify the voices of the organizations that support decriminalization.

We’ve come so far in advancing Kentucky's cannabis policy – let’s show up big and keep the momentum going!

Thanks for being a part of this,
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Why is McConnell so opposed to cannabis reform?

12/7/2022

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Mitch McConnell has a history of blocking cannabis reform, including the SAFE Banking Act, which would allow banks to serve the cannabis industry without fear of federal retribution. This raises the question: why is McConnell so opposed to cannabis reform
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Take action: email your senator 2023

12/6/2022

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In years past we’ve been overlooked despite overwhelming support and public opinion.

Will you help us ensure that cannabis reform has a place at the table in January by emailing your State Senator today?

Please enter your email in the form below.

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What is Medical Cannabis?

12/6/2022

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Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, is a form of treatment that uses the cannabis plant or its active ingredients to help manage symptoms or treat certain conditions. Cannabis is a psychoactive drug that has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
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Cannabis Policy Issues

12/2/2022

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Decriminalization
  • Cannabis decriminalization is a policy that reduces or eliminates criminal penalties for possession and use. It is different from legalization, which removes criminal penalties and creates a regulated market for cannabis.

Medical Cannabis Program
  • The use of cannabis for medical purposes is a major cannabis policy issue. Many people believe cannabis has therapeutic value and can treat various medical conditions. 

Adult-Use Market
  • Adult-use cannabis legalization refers to the legal sale and possession of cannabis products for recreational purposes, rather than for medicinal or therapeutic use. 15 states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis, and many other states are considering it.
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Volunteers needed at the capitol for 2023 session

12/1/2022

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12/01/2022

​Help us by volunteering to help work the Cannabis advocacy table!

Meet fellow advocates, hand out information to Capitol visitors, etc.  ​

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How to write a letter to the editor

12/1/2022

 
Letters to the editor (LTEs) are short pieces (150-300 words) written by community members and published in newspapers and other publications. They give writers a platform to share their thoughts on important issues and are often more persuasive when they are personal. The editorial staff decides which LTEs to publish, but it is helpful to consider all members of the community as the audience. 
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ACTION alert! State Senate: Support Medical Cannabis and Decriminalization Reform in KY GA 2023

11/30/2022

14 Comments

 
11/30/2022
​Timing is key!

With General Assembly 2023 just around the corner, legislators will be attending a caucus retreat this weekend (the First Weekend of December).

It’s here, behind closed doors, where legislative priorities will be discussed and decided for the upcoming session.  In years past we’ve been overlooked despite overwhelming support and public opinion.

​Will you help us ensure that Marijuana has a place at the table in January by emailing your State Senator today?
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​As your constituent, I urge you to support medical cannabis and decriminalization for Kentucky in the 2023 General Assembly.

Presently, more than three dozen states authorize the licensed production and dispensing of medical cannabis. Twenty-One states including Washington DC and Guam permit similar commercial activities and retail sales of marijuana to all adults. Yet, year after year Kentuckians are denied access to the same medicine. This situation is untenable. It is unconscionable to subject Kentuckians to arrest and criminal penalties for using cannabis, medically or otherwise. 

Ninety-three percent of U.S. voters think marijuana should be legal for medical use, including 85% of Republicans, more than 95% of Democrats and independents, and more than 92% of each age group. 

Medical marijuana is proven to be effective in the treatment of a variety of debilitating medical conditions. A vast majority of Americans recognize the legitimate medical benefits of marijuana, as well as a large number of medical organizations. It is far less harmful and poses fewer negative side effects than most prescription drugs — especially opiate-based painkillers — and patients often find it to be a more effective treatment. 
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Regulating the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana would ensure patients have legal, safe, and reliable access to medical marijuana. Patients should not have to resort to the potentially dangerous underground market to access their medicine. By regulating medical marijuana, we can ensure it is free of pesticides, molds, and other impurities, and patients will know exactly what they are getting. 

Our veterans deserve better access to the medicines that work best for them and should not be discriminated against for doing so.

Lastly, in order to better serve the citizens of Kentucky, a decriminalization bill must also be passed. It is unethical, unprincipled, and indefensible to allow the use of medical marijuana while allowing others to continue to serve time for doing the same. 

I strongly urge you to support a robust medical cannabis program and decriminalization for Kentucky. I will continue to contact you throughout the session so that this issue stays at the top of your inbox.

Thank you. I’ll be in touch.
14 Comments

Kentucky's Medical Marijuana Executive order Q&A

11/30/2022

1 Comment

 
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11/29/2022

So by now you have probably heard about Governor Beshear's Executive Order on Medical Cannabis that was released a few weeks ago on Nov 15, 2022.

But what does it all mean? What changes will we see in Kentucky? Does this mean it's legal now? Who will qualify for this program?

We have you covered. Kentucky NORML is co-hosting a Live Q&A with State Representative Nima Kulkarni, Kungu Njuguna (ACLU-KY), Kentucky Cannabis Freedom Coalition, Minorites for Medical Marijuana, Kentucky NORML, and Kentucky Moms for Medical Marijuana. 

Submit your questions below and RSVP to the Facebook event so that you receive notifications and event reminders.  We will do our very best to address all your questions. 
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How to Schedule a meeting with your Senator or representative

11/28/2022

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To schedule a meeting with your senator or representative in Kentucky, you can follow these steps:
  1. Identify your senator or representative: You can find out who your senator or representative is by visiting the Kentucky General Assembly website and entering your zip code in the "Find Your Legislator" search tool.
  2. Contact the senator or representative's office: You can find the contact information for your senator or representative's office on the Kentucky General Assembly website or by calling the Legislative Research Commission at (502) 564-8100.
  3. Request a meeting: Once you have identified your senator or representative and found their contact information, you can request a meeting by calling their office or sending an email. You can also use the Kentucky General Assembly website's "Contact Your Legislator" form to send a message.
  4. Schedule the meeting: The senator or representative's office will typically get back to you to schedule a meeting. They may offer to schedule a meeting at their office or at a location in your community. Make sure to confirm the date and time of the meeting, and be prepared to provide your contact information and any relevant information about the issues you want to discuss.
  5. Attend the meeting: Make sure to arrive on time for the meeting, and be prepared to discuss the issues you want to address. It is also a good idea to bring any relevant documents or materials with you to the meeting.
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How to Call the LRC

11/27/2022

1 Comment

 
Give 5 mins to your fellow Kentuckians today! Call the LRC, say you want to leave a message for your senator, and give your name and address. You will be connected to your senator's office. Tell the administrator that you want to leave a message.

Why do phone calls matter? 
When you call legislators to tell them how you would like them to vote on a certain bill, they receive a physical piece of green or red paper representing your view. These are called “green slips” and “red slips”. Many lawmakers say they are influenced by the physical representation of your calls shown by how many green or red slips they receive. ​
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What is Decriminalization?

11/27/2022

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Cannabis decriminalization is a policy that reduces or eliminates criminal penalties for possession and use. It is different from legalization, which removes criminal penalties and creates a regulated market for cannabis. ​Decriminalization can take the form of reducing possession to a civil infraction or downgrading possession to a misdemeanor. It is often seen as a step towards legalization and can reduce the burden on the criminal justice system. However, it does not create a legal market for cannabis and it is still illegal to sell or distribute cannabis in states with decriminalization laws. ​
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What is an Adult Use Market?

11/26/2022

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​As the debate over cannabis legalization continues to heat up, it's important to take a closer look at the arguments in favor of making this plant a legal, regulated substance. Here are some of the strongest arguments in favor of cannabis legalization:
  1. Tax Revenue: Legalizing and regulating cannabis can generate significant tax revenue for governments. In states where cannabis is legal, this revenue has been used to fund education, public health initiatives, and other important programs.
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Governor Beshear signed two executive orders for cannabis in Kentucky

11/15/2022

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11/15/2022

​Today, Governor Beshear signed two cannabis-related executive orders. The first allows patients who have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition to possess up to 8 ounces of medical cannabis legally obtained from dispensaries in states that offer reciprocity. The second order pertains to the regulation the sale of delta-8 products.

The first order will take effect starting on January 1, 2023.

“Kentuckians suffering from chronic and terminal conditions are going to be able to get the treatment they need without living in fear of a misdemeanor,” Beshear said. “With 37 states already legalizing medical cannabis and 90% of Kentucky adults supporting it, I am doing what I can to provide access and relief to those who meet certain conditions and need it to better enjoy their life, without pain.”
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Enter to Win - Danksgiving Giveaway

10/31/2022

 
Go to Danksgiving this year with Deluxe Weed Double Deck Card Game AND a Hippe Joe's Logo T-Shirt!

Courtesy of Hippie Joe's in Cave City, KY. "Good Vibes Only"

2 Steps to enter to WIN:  
1. Enter your information on this form
2. Like Hippie Joe's on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/hippiejoes/
​

***Giveaway is open from November 1 - November 14, 2022. The winner will be announced on November 15, 2022.***
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House Bill 136 Passes Kentucky House of Representatives

3/17/2022

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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.
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Kentucky NORML November 2021 Membership Meeting

11/16/2021

 
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PictureNovember's Meeting and Giveaway Business Sponsor - Experimental Farms CBD https://experimentalfarms.com/

Come network and volunteer with Kentucky NORML on the fourth Thursday of each month for our regular general meetings now taking place on Zoom. Invite a friend and join us in the work to help legalize cannabis. All are welcome. Join us!  

***Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, the November meeting will be held on Nov 18, 2021***

This month, we will be discussing medical cannabis bills that will be filed for the 2022 Session and what you can do to support forward movement. Guest Speaker to be announced. Please RSVP here to be emailed the Zoom meeting link.

EVERYONE WHO RSVPS TO NOVEMBER'S MEETING WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN THIS MONTH'S SPONSORED GIVEAWAY!!!

RSVP in the form below or at https://actionnetwork.org/events/kentucky-norml-november-2021-membership-meeting/


The MORE Act: What it does and what it could mean for the Bluegrass State - Part III: The Framework

7/4/2021

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Now that we’ve got a wide-angle snapshot of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, let’s get to the meat and potatoes, shall we? 

In my last two posts, we examined the bulk of what the MORE Act seeks to accomplish and why it matters to Kentuckians. This week, to wrap things up, we’ll delve into the proposals within the legislation that seek to facilitate expansion of the cannabis industry, ensure equity in the marketplace, and address the carnage that half a century of abominable drug policy has left in its wake.


The MORE Act begins with the creation of the Opportunity Trust Fund, financed through the imposition of a 5% tax on the sale of products containing or made from cannabis. The tax levy will increase annually by 1% until a maximum of 8% is reached. Additionally, the bill would authorize the creation of the Cannabis Justice Office (CJO) within the U.S. Department of Justice. The primary responsibilities of the CJO are to establish, implement and oversee the Community Reinvestment Grant program. Under this program, grants would become available to organizations that provide services to people who have suffered due to the tyranny of prohibitionist lunacy. Specifically, the bill lists job training, re-entry services, legal aid (including cannabis conviction expungement), literacy programs, youth recreation or mentoring programs, and health education programs as focal points. The CJO, in concert with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), would also be directed to provide grants aimed at providing substance abuse treatment services to those adversely affected by the costly, failed drug war.

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The MORE Act: What it does and what it could mean for the Bluegrass State - Part II: The Foundation

6/25/2021

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As I alluded to in part one of this series, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act contains a number of provisions and programs essential for the cannabis industry to thrive on a national scale.  Additionally, the legislation includes funding and oversight for said programs.  More information on those programs is forthcoming, but before addressing the framework, I feel it is necessary to touch upon the legislation’s foundation.  First and foremost, the MORE Act removes cannabis from the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) list of controlled substances which, in and of itself, has the potential to benefit Kentucky citizens  in a variety of ways.

At the top of the list of the MORE Act’s legalization benefits are those within the judicial system.  Under the proposed new cannabis policy, manufacture, distribution, use, and possession of cannabis would cease to be a crime at the federal level.  Furthermore, this change to current policy is retroactive, establishing a process for expungement of prior convictions as well as sentencing reviews for those currently incarcerated due to the unjust policy of prohibition.

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The MORE Act: What it Does and What it Could Mean for the Bluegrass State - Part I: The Overview

6/19/2021

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In December 2020, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act became first major cannabis reform to be passed in the US at the federal level when it was approved by the House of Representatives 228-164. Unfortunately, under the leadership of Mitch McConnell, it was never taken up by the Senate. On May 28 of this year, it was reintroduced by House Judiciary Chairman and sponsor of the bill, Jerry Nadler (D-NY-10). Due to a voter-imposed change in management, it seems likely that the legislation will make the Senate floor during this session. While proponents of the bill still face an uphill battle due to the continued orthodoxy of partisan obstructionism, the fact that nearly 70% of Americans support legalization provides a modicum of hope that the Senate can find a way to overcome the gridlock has become the defining characteristic of the American legislative process. If ever there was an issue with more potential for coalition building, I haven’t seen it in my lifetime.


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A Half Century Long Assault on Liberty: The War on Drugs Turns a Shifty 50

6/17/2021

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"We knew we couldn't make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily…[w]e could…vilify them night after night on the evening news. 

Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did." --Nixon advisor John Ehrlichman
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It was on June 17, 1971 that Richard Nixon officially declared war, a War on Drugs, ostensibly something we could and should all be able to get behind. History has shown, however, that reality doesn’t jive with the huckster’s pitch we were spoon fed. The war, in fact, was never on drugs. The war was, and is, a racist, politically motivated strategy to silence and disenfranchise dissenters by circumventing laws that protect their civil rights. Add in a dash of class warfare and a boatload of funding during the Reagan regime and what you have is a cynical assault on the very foundations of the American Experiment that has raged for half a century.

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Amazon’s Revision of its Drug Screening Policy Could Be a Boon to Kentucky Workers

6/3/2021

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by Jason Conder

Staff Writer

Amazon’s recent announcement that the company will be scaling back its drug screening policy is making news and making waves nationally. Being one of the most valuable brands on the planet and the second largest employer in the US gives Amazon a tremendous amount of leverage in the fight for fairer and more inclusive hiring practices. Their position in the market affords them the ability to influence not only public policy on a national scale, but also the business practices within the private sector. At face value, Amazon’s announcement is a big step toward eliminating what amounts to an unnecessary and discriminatory barrier to employment and opportunity.
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Amazon’s new policy has the potential to greatly affect us here in the Bluegrass State. According to the Cabinet for Economic Development, as of 2017, Amazon ranked “…fifth in the state with 7,232 full-time jobs in its list of Kentucky’s largest manufacturing, service and technology firms...” Already one of the largest employers in the state, Amazon is continually expanding. A new fulfillment center in Fayette County, for example, is currently in the works. The retail giant’s relaxation of their pre-employment screening policy will expand the opportunity to earn above average wages to Kentuckians who would have previously been needlessly excluded from the labor pool.

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Cannabis reform will not be easy

12/26/2020

 
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For the last decade, Kentucky cannabis advocates have been fighting hard during the legislative session to give Kentuckians safe, legal access to medicinal cannabis. Every year, our hopes get dashed upon the wall when someone in a leadership position sits on the bill, not allowing it to be heard or voted on by their peers. 

Last session, finally, history was made when the House Judiciary Committee voted to pass HB136 - a bill that would have established a medical cannabis industry - out of committee and let it be heard and voted on by the House. We celebrated a victory that day, but our hopes were staunched once again when the  bill was passed from the House floor into the Senate Judiciary committee, because state Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Hopkinsville, who serves as committee chairman, dragged his feet, telling advocates he had many concerns and he was thinking on it, while making it obvious he would not put the bill on the committee agenda until his concerns were assuaged. 

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