Legislation that would legalize medical marijuana in Kentucky has been assigned a hearing tomorrow, March 30 (1pm), the last day of the legislative session.
Senate Bill 47 would be able to receive a vote by the full House of Representatives if it’s approved tomorrow in the House Licensing and Occupations Committee, something proponents of the measure say they are optimistic will happen. Given it’s already passed the Senate in a 26 to 11 vote, if it is able to pass the House tomorrow it will be sent to a supportive governor who is expected to sign it into law quickly if given the opportunity.
Senate Bill 47 would allow those who receive a recommendation from a licensed practitioner to possess and use marijuana and marijuana products. Although smoking marijuana would be prohibited, patients would still be allowed to access and possess dried marijuana flower for use in vaporizers.
Senate Bill 47 would establish a licensed and regulated system of medical marijuana dispensaries. The law requires the state to license at least 25 dispensaries, 15 cultivator licenses, five processor licenses and three producer licenses.
In addition, the bill would place explicit rental protections for patients, stating that “A landlord shall not refuse to lease to, or otherwise penalize, a person solely for his or her status as a cardholder, unless failing to do so would violate federal law or regulations and cause the landlord to lose a monetary or licensing-related benefit under federal law or regulations.” In addition, it states that “No landlord may be penalized or denied any benefit under state law for leasing to a cardholder”, and that “a landlord shall not include in a rental agreement terms and conditions that prohibit the use of medicinal cannabis by a cardholder.
For the full text of Kentucky’s Senate Bill 47, click here.
