The proposal would legalize up to one ounce of cannabis and allow adults to grow up to five plants.
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Lawmakers have introduced new bills in the Kentucky House and Senate that would move the state closer to legalizing cannabis for adults 21 and older.
Nima Kulkarni of Louisville is sponsoring House Bill 199 along with its companion measure, Senate Bill 168. The legislation would legalize possession of up to one ounce of cannabis and permit individuals to grow up to five plants.
If both chambers approve the measure, voters — not lawmakers — would make the final decision.
The proposal would place the issue on the next general election ballot, allowing Kentuckians to vote yes or no.
“The advantage of doing it this way is it would appear on the ballot with language that would say, do you agree with a constitutional amendment that would decriminalize marijuana or cannabis for adults 21 years and over,” Kulkarni said.
Emerging Research
Research on cannabis and its potential uses continues to grow.
Kevin Pieper of Independence, Kentucky, said he has studied the medicinal applications of cannabis.
Pieper explained that the substance has been used naturally to help manage chronic pain and to support cancer patients following chemotherapy treatments.
He also said some individuals have used it as a “gateway out” of opioid use.
According to Pieper, cannabis in its natural form does not produce a psychoactive, or “high,” effect. He added that studies have highlighted a number of possible health benefits.
More information about Pieper’s research is available on his website.
Other Opinions
WBKO contacted several lawmakers for comment on the legislation.
Sen. Gary Clemons of Louisville issued a statement supporting the bill’s approach of allowing voters to decide.
“Decisions of this magnitude should not be made in isolation,” Clemons said. “Senate Bill 168 is about respecting Kentuckians enough to let them decide this issue for themselves.”
Rep. Daniel Grossberg, also of Louisville, pointed to national trends toward decriminalization.
“There is national momentum on decriminalizing cannabis, largely due to the last several Presidential administrations. Even local law enforcement is encouraged to deprioritize it. There is also a growing awareness that it does not serve as a gateway drug, because states that have legalized it have had a decrease in opioid abuse,” Grossberg said.
He added, “I support the right of adults to make informed decisions on whether or not to use a product that is statistically less harmful than alcohol and tobacco. By legalizing it, we can regulate it for safety and potency, expand our economy, generate tax revenue, and unburden the criminal justice system, which is overwhelmed with cases of minor possession.”
The Next Step
Lawmakers are encouraging residents to contact their senators and representatives to express their views on the proposal.
Kulkarni said she hopes to see the measure appear on the November ballot, provided it clears both the House and Senate.
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