Lawmakers in the House and Senate have approved legislation, Senate Bill 829, imposing new restrictions on patients’ ability to access medical cannabis products. The bill awaits action from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear.

On March 12, legislation that would impose multiple barriers on medical marijuana access in Kentucky passed through the House and on to the Senate. Among other stipulations, the proposed bill would make many people convicted of drug possession ineligible for the state’s medical marijuana program.

The inaugural Kentucky Cannabis Conference, organized by Kentucky NORML (National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws) was an opportunity for various stakeholders at every level to discuss the next steps. Spanning 3 days, March 7-9, the conference featured 26 exhibitors/presenters and attracted over 145 paid attendees. Actual attendance was even more significant with legislators and state regulatory employees using their free admission. Looking back, it is safe to say that the inaugural Kentucky Cannabis Conference was an unqualified success.

Recent legislative developments have raised concerns among advocates for patient access to medical cannabis. The advocates are especially concerned about House Bill 829, which would allow private schools and school nurses to deny prescribed cannabis to students. Advocates said that hinders the program before it even gets off the ground.

New regulations on delta-8 and hemp-derived substances went into effect in Kentucky on August 1.

Because of House Bill 544, there are new restrictions for legal products sold in the state, such as delta-8 or other hemp-derived substances. That includes new age, shipping, and packaging rules.

Back in September of last year, White Squirrel Brewery reopened their doors to the public, and now they’re collaborating with Kentucky NORML to bring “420 Music Fest” to Bowling Green.

Kentucky legislators have introduced a bill to legalize and regulate cannabis for adults over 21, as well allow people to expunge cannabis-related misdemeanors from their records for free. House Bill 420 has gradually picked up sponsors since it was put before the state legislature on January 30, but under a GOP supermajority it is unlikely to be signed into law.

Recent legislative developments have raised concerns among advocates for patient access to medical cannabis. House Bill 829, introduced by Rep. Jason Nemes, has ignited a crucial debate within Kentucky's cannabis community. This blog post delves into the implications of this proposed legislation and underscores the importance of preserving patient access to medical cannabis.

In a landscape where cannabis reform is gaining momentum across the nation, the lack of substantive action from our elected representatives is becoming increasingly frustrating for advocates and citizens alike. Despite the introduction of several bills aimed at advancing cannabis reform, the apparent reluctance to address these crucial issues head-on leaves us questioning the commitment of our elected officials to the will of the people.