Kentucky Becomes 38th State To Legalize Medical Marijuana As Gov. Beshear Signs Bill Into Law

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) signed a measure to legalize medical cannabis on Friday, reported local media, making it the 38th state in the nation to enable access to medical marijuana for patients with debilitating conditions.

“This is a truly historic day here in the commonwealth and one that many people deserve — especially the constituents who’ve approached me over the years to share their stories,” said state Sen. Stephen West, the bill’s lead sponsor. 

The Kentucky House of Representatives approved the measure on Thursday in a 66/33 vote, marking the third time the full House voted on the issue. Beshear pushed for chamber members to give the green light to the measure.

“I strongly urge them to do so, and you should encourage them too,” Beshear said in a Twitter post on Monday, urging citizens to act. “Contact your representative and ask them to pass medical cannabis for Kentuckians in need.”

West's Senate Bill 47 sailed smoothly through the state Senate earlier this month. 

“One of the prime reasons I sponsored this bill and moved it along is addiction,” West said on Friday. ”Other states that have adopted this have seen not only a 20-30 percent reduction in opioid use but also a 20 or 30 percent reduction in drug addiction. If you haven’t looked, Kentucky has a severe addiction problem, and I think Senate Bill 47 and medical marijuana can be part of the solution.”

Under the bill, a governing body will be established to regulate medical cannabis use and distribution in the Bluegrass State. Patients will be permitted to have a 30-day supply of medical cannabis at their residence and a 10-day supply on their person.

Photo: Courtesy of Ramdlon, ganjaspliffstoreuk by Pixabay