Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) made his State of the Commonwealth Speech this past Thursday, January 7th. In it he addressed how the state fared in 2020 and what the 2021 goals are. This speech came a day later than expected because of the riot on the Capitol building on January 6th. One point that Governor Beshear stressed in his speech is the need for Kentucky to legalize medical cannabis. 

“Speaking of laws that unduly restrict us from growth and innovation, it is time to legalize medical marijuana,” the Governor said. The governor also cited the need to legalize sports betting in the state. This push for legalization would help rebuild the state’s economy, which has been impacted severely by the COVID-19 pandemic. One way to help the state would be to legalize medical cannabis across the state according to the governor. 

Last year, the state’s House of Representatives introduced a bill to legalize medical cannabis. The bill did pass, but it died in the Senate, much to citizens’ disappointment. Around 9 out of 10 people within the state say that they are in support of legalizing medical cannabis. That’s a significant increase from the 7 out of 10 citizens who were in support of Kentucky legalizing medical cannabis in 2012.

House Bill 136

The State’s House has introduced a new bill on the legalization of medical cannabis, called House Bill 136. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control would take charge of implementing and monitoring medical cannabis within the state. Numerous government-run facilities would be established across the state to give the bill as much stability and consistency as possible. Additionally, revenue would return to the community. 

Around 60 percent of tax revenue on medical cannabis would go towards enforcement. This includes making sure that facilities have licenses and that the cannabis received is certified for consumption. It would also involve checking to make sure prescriptions are viable and necessary per the provider. Just over two percent of revenue would go towards setting up a grant program to help promote cannabis research. It would also allow for further understanding of cannabis and helping Kentucky’s citizens understand as well. An additional 13.75 percent of revenue would be for a separate grant program to help local law enforcement implement the bill safely and efficiently. And another 13.75 percent would go to dispensaries to help cover the cost of medical cannabis for low-income patients. The the final 10 percent would cover any additional administrative costs. 

There would also be an additional 12 percent tax on cannabis sales between growers and producers. 80 percent of that would go to the medical cannabis trust fund. The other 20 percent would go to local governments.

Future

This bill is endorsed by the governor, who is very excited about it passing in the House and the Senate. “We have not had this much opportunity for new investment in our people and our future in a generation. Let’s make it count, let’s have courage, let’s be bold, let’s not fumble the opportunity,” Governor Beshear said. Lawmakers introduced HB 136 last week. However, there is still a chance it could changed in the near future.

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