Governor Andy Beshear, D, of Kentucky is looking into other routes to legalize medical cannabis as the session ends. HB 136 passed the House in the middle of March and has sat in the Senate since then. It has not received any discussion or vote in a committee or the full Senate chamber.
“I want to see Kentucky finally legalize medical marijuana,” Governor Beshear said during a press briefing. “When the people overwhelmingly demand it, the only thing keeping it from happening are we don’t have ballot initiatives, and then the legislature right now won’t follow the will of the people.”
However, several Senate leaders have pushed back against legalization or don’t see it as a priority right now. As the session draws to a close, HB 136’s sponsor, Representative Jason Nemes, R, is pushing for a last minute debate in the Senate. The regular legislative session ends on April 15, leaving the 13th and 14th open for discussion. Previously, the last regular day was March 30, as the veto process of the legislative session began April 1. These last two days will bring closure to any bills not finalized. These bills will either move forward or become tabled.
Opposition in the Senate
The biggest reason HB 136 hasn’t moved forward in the Senate is because there simply isn’t enough support for it. The Senate President, Robert Stivers, R, also said he does not favor broader medical cannabis legalization. However, Stivers did mention he would push a medical cannabis research bill forward instead.
Another opponent of medical cannabis legalization is the Senate Floor Leader, Damon Thayer, R. Upon HB 136’s introduction into the Kentucky House, Senator Thayer has not made it a priority for him. He considered HB 136’s chance of passing this year, ‘done.’
“I know my constituents are for it,” Senator Thayer said during a televised panel in January. “But this is a republic, and they elect us to go to Frankfort and make decisions on their behalf—and if they don’t like it, they can take it out on me in the next election.”
Future of Medical Cannabis in Kentucky
Whether medical cannabis passes this regular session, through an executive order from Governor Beshear, or waits until next year’s regular session, it seems medical cannabis is a must for Kentucky. Most surrounding states, with the exception of Tennessee and Indiana, have legalized medical cannabis, with Illinois and Virginia also legalizing recreational cannabis in recent years.
Governor Beshear is eager to get Kentucky up to speed with medical cannabis, saying it’s “time [Kentucky] joined so many other states in doing the right thing.” The governor added that Kentucky farmers are in a perfect position to grow and sell cannabis to other states upon legalization of medical, and eventually recreational, cannabis. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.
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