Legalization of marijuana measures introduced by KENTUCKY Dem lawmakers

Gov. Andy Beshear says he has supported legalizing medicinal marijuana for years, if there are the right controls. “I think it’s time

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Three Democratic state lawmakers are introducing legislation that would legalize marijuana for both medicinal and recreational purposes, citing polls that indicate a majority of Kentuckians support it.

Sens. Morgan McGarvey and David Yates of Louisville, along with Rep. Rachael Roberts of Newport have proposed identical bills in each chamber, which they call “L.E.T.T.’s Grow,” with the acronym standing for Legalizing Sales; Expunging crimes that should never have been charged; Treating those who deserve to benefit from cannabis’ medicinal properties; and Taxing sales for those who want to buy it for adult use.

“Our legislation is the comprehensive plan that Kentuckians deserve, and it builds on what’s worked in other states while avoiding their mistakes,” said Roberts.  “This would be a boon for our economy and farmers alike, plus give state and local governments a major new source of revenue.”

“It is past time to move on this,” McGarvey said.  “As 37 other states have realized the medical benefits with 18 of those reaping the economic benefits, Kentucky continues to fall behind in an area where we could be leading.  It is 2022. It's time we end the prohibition on cannabis in Kentucky.”

“By decriminalizing low-level marijuana offenses, it allows police and the courts to re-prioritize their resources toward addressing more serious crimes,” Yates said.  “Minor marijuana possession offenders, many of them young people, should not be saddled with a criminal record and the lifelong penalties and stigma associated with it. We have put too many people behind bars for this offense. Our lockups are full of them, and that is both unjust and costly.”

If enacted, their legislation would create the Cannabis Control Board, which would be composed of seven members, none of whom could have a direct or indirect interest in a cannabis business.

The board would mirror the work of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, but in this case establish and enforce regulations from seed to sale.  Helping the board would be four advisory committees focused on medicinal and adult use; cultivation; and social and economic equity.

A separate Social Impact Council would, using a portion of state proceeds, develop and administer scholarship programs and award grants to groups that have historically been marginalized or adversely affected by substance abuse.

L.E.T.T.’s Grow would apply the six percent sales tax to adult-use sales while allowing local governments to levy license fees up to five percent.  Cities and counties would be able to split that license revenue.

During a Capitol press conference, Gov. Andy Beshear says he has supported legalizing medicinal marijuana for years, if there are the right controls.  “I think it’s time.  Virtually every other state, red or blue, have adopted this.  It has provided some relief oftentimes to our veterans, or sometimes our seniors, offering a form of relief instead of turning to opioids.”

The legislation is House Bill 521 and Senate Bill 186.  Neither have been assigned to a committee yet.