Kentucky Senate Passes Bill to Legalize Medical & Recreational Cannabis
On March 16th, 2023, the Kentucky Senate passed a bill to legalize medical cannabis, making it the first state in the region to do so.[0] Senate Bill 47 establishes a medical cannabis access program for qualified patients with an authorization from their physician. The bill also includes language to make it so people under 18 who possess marijuana would be subject to a substance misuse assessment, and people between the ages of 18 and 21 would face a violation for simple possession.[1]
In addition, Senate Bill 47 would legalize recreational marijuana use by adults ages 21 and over.[2] Licensed sellers would be able to sell marijuana products for recreational use. A person could possess up to 8 ounces of marijuana, six mature marijuana plants, and six seedling plants.[2] It would also create a licensing process for recreational marijuana dispensaries, commercial growers, processors and transporters, and it instructs the state to create rules for the preparation and labeling of marijuana products within 90 days after becoming law.[2] A 15% state excise tax will be imposed on each sale, with the resulting surplus being allocated towards student services, drug addiction treatment programs, courts, local government, and general revenue.[2]
This is a monumental step forward in the cannabis industry. As of February 17th, 2023, the market for medical cannabis and its ancillary products has grown significantly in the United States, with the use of medical marijuana doubling over the past year. The legalization of recreational marijuana in Kentucky is expected to open up even more opportunities for cannabis industry professionals, investors and entrepreneurs.
Those interested in staying up to date with the latest news in the cannabis industry can subscribe to Marijuana Moment’s daily dispatch.[3] Additionally, new cannabis ventures can look to Licensed Cannabis Establishments for the latest developments. Advertisers can also take advantage of the growing industry by reaching out to Marijuana Moment and other cannabis news outlets.
0. “Kentucky: Senate Approves Medical Cannabis Bill – NORML” norml.org, 19 Mar. 2023, https://norml.org/blog/2023/03/16/kentucky-senate-approves-medical-cannabis-bill/
1. “New Hampshire House Votes To Legalize Marijuana With No …” www.marijuanamoment.net, 19 Mar. 2023, https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-hampshire-house-votes-to-legalize-marijuana-with-no-regulations-or-limitations/
2. “Oklahomans to vote March 7 on recreational marijuana | News …” www.cherokeephoenix.org, 19 Mar. 2023, https://www.cherokeephoenix.org/news/oklahomans-to-vote-march-7-on-recreational-marijuana/article_c7992fbc-b464-11ed-948c-f70948cc1c33.html
3. “Treasury sec. talks cannabis banking (Newsletter: March 17, 2023 …” www.marijuanamoment.net, 19 Mar. 2023, https://www.marijuanamoment.net/treasury-sec-talks-cannabis-banking-newsletter-march-17-2023/
