FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 20, 2020

Contact: Violet Cavendish
vcavendish@mpp.org

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration

Frankfort, KY — On Thursday, Kentucky’s House of Representatives voted in favor (64-30) of a bill that would legalize medical cannabis for patients with debilitating medical conditions in the state.

HB 136, sponsored by Rep. Jason Nemes (R-Louisville), passed the House Judiciary Committee in a 17-1 vote last week. This marks the first time a bill to legalize medical cannabis has received a full House vote in Kentucky. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration. 

Support for medical cannabis has been growing for several years. A 2019 Kentucky Health Issues Poll found that nine out of 10 Kentucky residents support legalizing cannabis for medical use. Gov. Andy Beshear has indicated that he strongly supports medical cannabis. 

If enacted into law, Kentucky will join the 33 states (and Washington, D.C.) that have passed workable medical cannabis laws. 

Statement from Matt Simon, legislative analyst at the Marijuana Policy Project:

“Patients in Kentucky shouldn’t have to continue waiting for safe, legal access to cannabis. This legislation is critical for Kentuckians who are desperate for alternatives to opioids and other potentially dangerous prescription drugs. The House should be applauded for passing this bill. Now it’s time for the Senate to do the right thing for patients and pass HB 136.”

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Founded in 1995, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) is the nation’s leading cannabis policy reform organization. MPP has played a central role in passing dozens of cannabis policy reforms in states across the country, including 10 successful cannabis legalization campaigns, and also works to advance federal reforms.

Visit www.mpp.org for more information.