Constitutional Amendment to Legalize Weed

It’s no secret that for several years now lawmakers have been working diligently to improve the laws in regards to marijuana. Recently, Governor Beshears remitted an executive order for the use of medical marijuana. We also saw the House of Representatives pass the vote to allow a medical marijuana program in 2022. 

Governor Beshear’s executive order has already created a pathway for medical cannabis use.

Even with the executive order and other approvals, it will take some time to sift through the details and establish allowances or provisions. The use of marijuana without a medical card in Kentucky remains a class B misdemeanor up to a certain threshold. 

However, early in January of 2023, lawmakers continued to review this hot topic. Representative Nima Kulkarni of Louisville recently filed a bill to fully decriminalize the use of marijuana in Kentucky. The bill allows for anyone over the age of 21 to possess and use up to one ounce of marijuana. 

The approval and process of this particular amendment won’t be voted on until 2024, but it could mean major changes to come, with a fresh gateway to allow for both recreational and medical use of marijuana in the state. 

What does that mean for Kentucky? The first would be the allowable amounts as well as enforcing the age limits. Those in need of a medical marijuana card outside of that age limit or amount would need to go through the medical process for approval. 

In addition to legalization, those who hold a criminal record for possession that is one ounce or less of marijuana will have their records expunged. This change could lead to a substantial shift in Kentucky should it be approved. 

We will continue to watch and see how it unfolds.