Kentucky could become the next state to legalize pot if one of its lawmakers has his way.
In a recent appearance in Frankfort, Democratic Senator Perry Clark pre-filed a legislation that seeks to create a regulated and taxed marijuana market throughout the Commonwealth.
BR408 is a proposal that is expected to push for adults 21 and over to have the freedom to cultivate up to five plants at home and to posses up to one ounce of pot for personal use. This is aimed at matching other recreational pot markets.
This proposed reform should put Kentucky in the class of 8 other states that have brought marijuana prohibition to an end. It is created to establish a system that handles pot in the same manner as beer and as a result, stopping the black market.
The bill also intends to eliminate the penalties associated with possession of cannabis by making the necessary changes to the criminal justice system.
As it stands, one can face a criminal misdemeanor charge that comes with a fine of up to $250 and up to 45 days in jail, if found with up to eight ounces of weed in the state.
Last year, Clark came up with a bill that tried to bring together the concept of medical and recreational marijuana. It was referred to as the “Cannabis Freedom Act.”
In 2017, the lawmaker intends to change tact by separating the recreational pot bill from the medical marijuana program (BR409).
While it is highly unlikely that the recreational pot bill will pass, it is possible for the medical bill (Cannabis Compassion Act of 2017) to take root in Kentucky.
Several legislative discussions were organized over the summer in order to discuss the issue of medical marijuana, as revealed by reliable reports. Additionally, Republican Governor Matt Bevin has expressed his support for medical cannabis, viewing it “like the ordinary prescription drug.”
Kentucky residents will know what the legislature decides about this issue in the near future. It is expected that the results of Clark’s proposal will be out by February.
