Frankfort, KY — PRESS RELEASE — On Thursday, Kentucky’s House of Representatives voted in favor (65-30) of a bill that would legalize medical cannabis for patients with debilitating medical conditions in the state.
H.B. 136, sponsored by Rep. Jason Nemes (R-Louisville), passed the House Judiciary Committee in a 17-1 vote last week. This marks the first time a bill to legalize medical cannabis has received a full House vote in Kentucky. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
Support for medical cannabis has been growing for several years. A 2019 Kentucky Health Issues Poll found that nine out of 10 Kentucky residents support legalizing cannabis for medical use. Gov. Andy Beshear has indicated that he strongly supports medical cannabis.
If enacted into law, Kentucky will join the 33 states (and Washington, D.C.) that have passed workable medical cannabis laws.
Matt Simon, legislative analyst at the Marijuana Policy Project, said, “Patients in Kentucky shouldn’t have to continue waiting for safe, legal access to cannabis. This legislation is critical for Kentuckians who are desperate for alternatives to opioids and other potentially dangerous prescription drugs. The House should be applauded for passing this bill. Now it’s time for the Senate to do the right thing for patients and pass H.B. 136.”
