AN ACT Related to Cannabis pre-filed for 2022

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A video is presented by WHAS11 as to the pre-filing of a Cannabis Bill 22 RS BR 325 at the link at the bottom of the page.

State Representative Nima Kulkarni, D-Louisville, pre-filed legislation on Nov. 29. 

This Bill would allow citizens 21 years and older to posses  and use up to an ounce of Cannabis as well as buy and sell it.  Up to 5 plants allowed for cultivation and use and removal of penalties of paraphernalia.

If approved by 3/5th’s of the House and Senate in Kentucky  approve it during the 2022 legislative session an AMENDMENT would go on ballot in November.

Please see more information at this link:

https://www.whas11.com/article/news/kentucky/bill-kentucky-deciminalize-legalize-marijuana-nima-kulkarni-prefiled/417-016744b7-da5c-4128-b143-2018cac3e8a9

2021 Kentucky Cannabis

Legislation prior to this year can be found at the following link:

2020 Complete List of Cannabis/Hemp Bills Kentucky – U.S. Marijuana Party Kentucky (wordpress.com)

As of February 12, 2021 the following has been introduced into Kentucky Legislature:

Roberts Files Bill to Legalize Recreational Cannabis


FRI, 02/12/2021 – 07:12 RCN NEWSDESK

State Representative Rachel Roberts filed legislation this week that would legalize the use of recreational cannabis (marijuana) by adults, and to lead to the expungement of the criminal records of those convicted of marijuana-related misdemeanors.

The legislation, the Newport Democrat said, would also open the door for the use of marijuana by people suffering from chronic medical conditions.

“Fifteen states, including neighboring Illinois, have legalized cannabis and are reaping its considerable benefits,” said Roberts. “Kentucky has been desperate for new revenue for years to deal with rising costs in education, public employee pensions and healthcare. It is time to take advantage of the revenue from this growing market and stop the illegal trafficking of marijuana.

“By doing this, we could see as much as $100 million annually in new tax revenue, money that could make a real and lasting difference. Many Kentuckians would also be helped by having their criminal record expunged, while farmers would have a new crop rivaling what tobacco was for many decades.”  CONTINUE READING…

House Bill 467  Sponsor R. Roberts

Establish KRS Chapter 245 and create a section to define terms such as “cannabis accessory,” “cannabis product,” “immature cannabis plant,” “indoor cultivator,” “mature cannabis plant,” and “outdoor cultivator”; create new sections of KRS Chapter 245 to require cannabis to be tracked from seed to consumer; establish license types, application fees, and license fees, and direct license fees to the cannabis development fund; define sizes for cultivator license types; specify allowed transactions for each license type; set parameters for the home grower permit; require the board to promulgate an administrative regulation for license applications; set license length at one year and allow the board to establish renewal system; limit cannabis retail locations to one for every two thousand three hundred persons per county; require cannabis retail stores to be separate from other store and only carry cannabis, cannabis products, and cannabis accessories; create requirements for child-proof packaging and labeling; establish procedures for license denial and a hearing in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B; establish payments in lieu of suspension for licensees and direct the funds to the cannabis development fund and the agency’s revolving trust and agency account; establish minimum age of twenty-one to use or buy cannabis and create status offense for minors under eighteen; ban smoking cannabis in public; require signs in retail locations regarding minors and the US Surgeon General’s statement on cannabis, and create cannabis development fund, cannabis development board, and establish cannabis development fund oversight committee; create new sections of KRS Chapter 138 to define “cannabis,” “cannabis administrator,” and “cannabis product”; set wholesale tax rates and payment schedules for cannabis cultivator and processor licensees; allow local governments to impose up to a 5% regulatory license fee on cannabis licensees in their territory; establish conditions for tax liability; impose civil penalties for tax violations; amend KRS 139.200 to set retail tax rate for cannabis at 15% and amend KRS 139.260, 139.310, and 139.470 to conform; amend KRS 139.240 and 139.250 to require a permit for retailer from Department of Revenue; amend KRS 2.015 to exempt cannabis from age of majority; amend KRS 42.205 to include licensing and permit fees, payments in lieu of suspension, and moneys from wholesale taxes to go to the permanent pension fund and to be distributed quarterly to KERS nonhazardous and TRS funds; amend KRS 241.020 to include a Division of Cannabis in the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control; amend KRS 241.030 to add administrator of the Division of Cannabis; amend KRS 241.060 to add supervision of the cultivation, processing, testing, and trafficking of cannabis to the board’s duties; amend KRS 241.090 to add cannabis to search provisions; amend KRS 243.025 to direct application fees for cannabis licenses into the agency revolving trust account; amend KRS 218A.1421 to exempt cannabis licenses from trafficking statute; amend KRS 218A.1422 to exempt one ounce of marijuana from possession statute; amend KRS 218A.1423 to permit cannabis cultivator licensees and home grower permits to cultivate under their license or permit; amend KRS 218A.500 to exclude cannabis accessories from drug paraphernalia; create a new section of KRS Chapter 431 to create process for expungement of marijuana misdemeanor charges and to waive fees; amend KRS 431.079 to exclude need for certification of eligibility for expungement; amend KRS 131.1815 to include cannabis licensees in delinquent taxpayer statute; amend KRS 600.020 to include cannabis offenses in the definition of status offense; amend KRS 12.020 to create Division of Cannabis within the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. CONTINUE READING…

House Bill 461 Sponsors N. Kulkarni, A. Scott, L. Willner

Establish KRS Chapter 245 and create new sections thereof to define terms, including “cannabis accessory”, “cannabis product”, “immature cannabis plant”, and “mature cannabis plant”; require cannabis to be tracked from seed to consumer; establish license types, application fees, and license fees; specify allowed transactions for each license type; require the board to promulgate an administrative regulation for license applications; set license length at one year and allow the board to establish renewal system; set forth an applicant scoring system; establish parameters for social equity applicant and disproportionately impacted areas; require cannabis retail stores to be separate from other store and only carry cannabis, cannabis products, and cannabis accessories; create requirements for child-proof packaging and labeling; establish procedures for license denial and a hearing in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B; establish payments in lieu of suspension for licensees and direct the funds to the agency’s revolving trust and agency account and the criminal justice reinvestment fund; establish minimum age of 21 to use or buy cannabis and create status offense for minors under eighteen; ban smoking cannabis in public; and require signs in retail locations regarding minors and the US Surgeon General’s statement on cannabis; create new sections of KRS Chapter 138 to define “cannabis”, “cannabis administrator”, and “cannabis product”; set wholesale tax rates and payment schedules for cannabis cultivator and processor licensees, allow local governments to impose up to a five percent regulatory license fee on cannabis licensees in their territory; establish conditions for tax liability; impose civil penalties for tax violations; create a new section of KRS Chapter 245 to set conditions for the cannabis tax rates effective July 1, 2026 and beyond; amend KRS 2.015 to exempt cannabis from age of majority; amend KRS 241.020 to include a Division of Cannabis in the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control; amend KRS 241.030 to add administrator of the Division of Cannabis; amend KRS 241.060 to add supervision of the cultivation, processing, testing, and trafficking of cannabis to the board’s duties and require Department of Agriculture to review regulations for cultivators prior to filing; amend KRS 241.090 to add cannabis to search provisions; amend KRS 243.025 to direct application fees for cannabis licenses into the agency revolving trust account; amend KRS 218A.1421 to exempt cannabis licenses from trafficking statute; amend KRS 218A.1422 to exempt one ounce of marijuana from possession statute; amend KRS 218A.1423 to permit cannabis cultivator licensees to cultivate under their license; amend KRS 218A.500 to exclude cannabis accessories from drug paraphernalia; create a new section of KRS Chapter 431 to create process for expungement of marijuana misdemeanor charges and to waive fees; amend KRS 431.079 to exclude need for certification of eligibility for expungement; amend KRS 131.1815 to include cannabis licensees in delinquent taxpayer statute; amend KRS 600.020 to include cannabis offenses in the definition of status offense; amend KRS 12.020 to create Division of Cannabis within the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. CONTINUE READING…

ADDITIONALLY,

SB 92(BR-1140)/LM/CI(click bill number to view bill details.)

Title:  AN ACT relating to medicinal cannabis.

Sponsor(s):

West , Stephen
Nemes , Michael J.
Yates , David
Parrett , Dennis
Webb , Robin L.
Harper Angel , Denise
Neal , Gerald A.
Embry Jr. , C.B.
McGarvey , Morgan
Higdon , Jimmy
Current Status:

to Committee on Committees (H)
In House

Summary:

Create various new sections of KRS Chapter 218A to define terms; exempt the medicinal cannabis program from existing provisions in Kentucky law to the contrary; require the Department of Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control implement and regulate the medicinal cannabis program; establish the Division of Medicinal Cannabis and the Board of Physicians and Advisors within the Department of Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control; establish restrictions on the possession and use of medicinal cannabis by cardholders; establish certain protections for cardholders; establish professional protections for practitioners, attorneys, and other professionals; provide for the authorizing of practitioners by state licensing boards to issue written certifications for the use medicinal cannabis; prohibit the consumption of medicinal cannabis by smoking; permit an employer to restrict the possession and use of medicinal cannabis by an employee; require the department to implement and operate a registry identification card program; establish requirements for registry identification cards; require the department to operate a provisional licensure receipt system for cardholders; establish the requirements for a registry identification card and the application process; establish notification requirements for cardholders; establish when a registry identification card may be revoked; establish various cannabis business licensure categories; establish requirements for a cannabis business licensure and the application process for a license; prohibit a practitioner from being a board member or principal officer of a cannabis business; prohibit cross-ownership of certain classes of cannabis businesses; establish rules for local sales, including establishing the process by which a local legislative body may prohibit the operation of cannabis businesses within its territory and the process for local ordinances and ballot initiatives; establish technical requirements for cannabis businesses; establish limits on the THC potency of medicinal cannabis that can be produced or sold in the state; establish cultivation square footage limits for cannabis businesses that are permitted to cultivate; establish procedures for the department to inspect cannabis businesses; establish procedures for the suspension or revocation of a cannabis business license; exempt certain records and information from the disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act; require the department to develop, maintain, and operate electronic systems for monitoring the medicinal cannabis program; require the department to promulgate administrative regulations necessary to implement the medicinal cannabis program; establish that nothing in the bill requires government programs or private insurers to reimburse for the cost of use; amend KRS 342.815 to establish that the Employer’s Mutual Insurance Authority shall not be required to provide coverage to an employer if doing so would subject the authority to a violation of state or federal law; amend KRS 216B.402 to require hospital emergency departments to report cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control; amend KRS 218A.010, 218A.1421, 218A.1422, 218A.1423, and 218A.500 to conform; amend KRS 12.020, 12.252, 15.300, 15.380, 15.398, 15.420, 15A.340, 61.592, 62.120, 131.1815, 211.285, 241.010, 241.015, 241.030, 243.025, 243.0307, 243.038, 243.090, 243.360, 438.310, 438.311, 438.313, 438.315, 438.317, 438.320438.325, 438.330, 438.337, and 438.340 to change the name of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control; some sections EFFECTIVE July 1, 2022.

HCR63(BR-1238)(click bill number to view bill details.)

Title:  A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION to create the Task Force on Economic Effects of Casino Gambling and Cannabis Legalization.

Sponsor(s):

Cantrell , McKenzie
Current Status:

to Committee on Committees (H)
In House

Summary:

Create the Task Force on Economic Effects of Casino Gambling and Recreational Marijuana Legalization to study economic effects of legalization of casino gambling and cannabis on governments, corrections, judiciary, small business, wages, and employment; establish task force membership; require five meeting of the task force during the 2021 interim and report findings to the Legislative Research Commission by December 1, 2021.

HB 326(BR-390)(click bill number to view bill details.)

Title:  AN ACT relating to the creation of the Kentucky Center for Cannabis Research and making an appropriation therefor.

Sponsor(s):

Moser , Kimberly Poore
Bentley , Danny
Banta , Kim
Bridges , Randy
Frazier , Deanna
Freeland , Chris
Heavrin , Samara
Pratt , Phillip
Reed , Brandon
Santoro , Sal
Sheldon , Steve
Smith , Tom
Tate , Nancy
Massey , C. Ed
Current Status:

to Committee on Committees (H)
In House

Summary:

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 164 to establish the Kentucky Center for Cannabis Research at the University of Kentucky; define the role, mission, and responsibilities of the center; establish the university’s duties related to the center; APPROPRIATION.

HB 136(BR-49)/LM/CI(click bill number to view bill details.)

Title:  AN ACT relating to medicinal cannabis and making an appropriation therefor.

Sponsor(s):

Nemes , Jason
Gentry , Al
Lawrence , William
Lewis , Derek
Miller , Charles
Miller , Jerry T.
Koch , Matthew
Osborne , David
Goforth , Robert
Minter , Patti
Kulkarni , Nima
Huff , Thomas
Flood , Kelly
Kirk-McCormick , Norma
Pratt , Phillip
Hatton , Angie
Bojanowski , Tina
Stevenson , Cherlynn
Palumbo , Ruth Ann
Cantrell , McKenzie
Elliott , Daniel
Timoney , Killian
Jenkins , Joni L.
Willner , Lisa
Raymond , Josie
Graham , Derrick
Westrom , Susan
Current Status:

to Committee on Committees (H)
In House

Summary:

Create various new sections of KRS Chapter 218A to define terms; exempt the medicinal cannabis program from existing provisions in Kentucky law to the contrary; require the Department of Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control implement and regulate the medicinal cannabis program; establish the Division of Medicinal Cannabis and the Board of Physicians and Advisors within the Department of Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control ; establish restrictions on the possession and use of medicinal cannabis by cardholders; establish certain protections for cardholders; establish professional protections for practitioners, attorneys, and other professionals; provide for the authorizing of practitioners by state licensing boards to issue written certifications for the use medicinal cannabis; prohibit the consumption of medicinal cannabis by smoking; permit an employer to restrict the possession and use of medicinal cannabis by an employee; require the department to implement and operate a registry identification card program; establish requirements for registry identification cards; establish registry identification card fees; require the department to operate a provisional licensure receipt system for cardholders; establish the requirements for a registry identification card and the application process; establish notification requirements for cardholders; establish when a registry identification card may be revoked; establish various cannabis business licensure categories; establish requirements for a cannabis business licensure and the application process for a license; prohibit a practitioner from being a board member or principal officer of a cannabis business; prohibit cross-ownership of certain classes of cannabis businesses; establish rules for local sales, including establishing the process by which a local legislative body may prohibit the operation of cannabis businesses within its territory and the process for local ordinances and ballot initiatives; establish technical requirements for cannabis businesses; establish limits on the THC potency of medicinal cannabis that can be produced or sold in the state; establish cultivation square footage limits for cannabis businesses that are permitted to cultivate; establish procedures for the department to inspect cannabis businesses; establish procedures for the suspension or revocation of a cannabis business license; exempt certain records and information from the disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act; require the department to develop, maintain, and operate electronic systems for monitoring the medicinal cannabis program; require the department to promulgate administrative regulations necessary to implement the medicinal cannabis program; establish that nothing in the bill requires government programs or private insurers to reimburse for the cost of use; establish the medicinal cannabis trust fund; establish the local medicinal cannabis trust fund; establish procedures for the distribution of local cannabis trust fund moneys; create a new section of KRS Chapter 138 to establish an excise tax on certain transfers of medicinal cannabis; amend KRS 216B.402 to require hospital emergency departments to report cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control; amend KRS 342.815 to establish that the Employer’s Mutual Insurance Authority shall not be required to provide coverage to an employer if doing so would subject the authority to a violation of state or federal law; amend KRS 139.470 to exempt the sale of medical cannabis from the state sales tax; amend KRS 218A.010, 218A.1421, 218A.1422, 218A.1423, and 218A.500 to conform; amend KRS 12.020, 12.252, 15.300, 15.380, 15.398, 15.420, 15A.340, 61.592, 62.120, 131.1815, 211.285, 241.010, 241.015, 241.030, 243.025, 243.0307, 243.038, 243.090, 243.360, 438.310, 438.311, 438.313, 438.315, 438.317, 438.320438.325, 438.330, 438.337, and 438.340 to change the name of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control; some sections EFFECTIVE July 1, 2022; APPROPRIATION.

Stimulus Dollars Available for Hemp Farmers and Small Businesses

U.S. Hemp Roundtable info@hempsupporter.com

Great news from Capitol Hill:

Stimulus Dollars Available for Hemp Farmers and Small Businesses


Moments ago, the U.S. House passed the U.S. Senate’s $2 trillion economic stimulus bill, sending to the President’s desk a relief package that will help address the devastating physical and financial distress caused by the COVID-19 virus and response.  Read the entire bill here.

There is great news for hemp farmers as well as small businesses in the hemp space.  While the word “hemp” does not appear in the bill, economic relief is available for the hemp industry through some of the following provisions:

  • $349 billion for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Business Loans Program Account
  • $17 billion for the SBA’s Business Loans Program Account for payment of covered loans guaranteed by SBA under the Small Business Act
  • $10 billion for SBA’s Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loans program
  • $265 million for SBA’s Entrepreneurial Development Program
  • $9.5 billion to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for providing support for impacted agricultural producers, including producers of specialty crops
  • $20.5 million to the Rural Business Program Account for the cost of loans for rural business development programs under the Farm and Rural Development Act
  • In general, those with federally-backed mortgaged loans secured by USDA may request forbearance for up to 180 days, during which no fees, penalties, or interest will accrue

It is important to note that under this SBA policy guidance, unlike direct marijuana businesses, legal hemp small businesses are explicitly eligible for SBA’s assistance programs.

Information about how to apply for SBA’s COVID-19 programs can be found here and here.

The USDA is expected to release more information about how farmers and businesses can apply for that agency’s COVID-19 programs at this website in the coming days.

We will keep Hemp Supporters updated as circumstances develop.  Please stay safe and healthy!

SOURCE: RECEIVED BY EMAIL ON FRIDAY 3-27-20Surprised smile

KDA Draft Hemp Regulations Available for Review

KDA Comment Period Open Until April 30

Dear Friends,

As the Commissioner of Agriculture for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I wanted to draw your attention to new, draft regulations updating Kentucky’s hemp program.

The draft regulations that will govern the administration of the hemp program were recently filed for public comment. A comprehensive document can be found here, and each separate regulation is also available on our website on the “Hemp and the Law”page.

Please know that you can email your comments to KDA directly at hemp@ky.gov until April 30, 2020.

I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to review the draft regulations and provide feedback.

In addition, I want to ensure you knew that the Kentucky Department of Agriculture led the effort this session to pass House Bill 236, which updated Kentucky’s hemp laws. This law included two main changes:

· Updating Kentucky’s laws to align our statues with the 2018 Farm Bill; and

· Allowing licensed hemp processors in Kentucky to transport or sell their hemp concentrate to another licensed hemp processor location in Kentucky, if that interaction is reported to and approved by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture at least 24 hours in advance.

Thank you for your interest in this new industry.

LINK TO NEW PROPOSED REGULATIONS (PDF)

Kentucky Department of Agriculture kda@kygov.ccsend.com

(KY) CANNABIS RALLY AT THE ROTUNDA, WEDNESDAY!

PLEASE PLAN TO JOIN ACTIVISTS, CITIZENS, REPRESENTATIVES AND OTHERS AT THE 2020 CANNABIS RALLY AT THE ROTUNDA, THIS WEDESDAY, MARCH 11TH, FROM 12:30PM UNTIL 2:00PM.

LOCATED AT 700 CAPITAL AVENUE, FRANKFORT, KY 40601.

HOSTED BY:

My Right To Decide and KY NORML

EVENT LINK

RotundaRally3.11.20

Sen Perry Clark SB 105 2020

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SENATOR STAN HUMPHRIES’ LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

KY-Legislature-Home-Page-Banner

Commonwealth of Kentucky
Office of Senator Stan Humphries

For Immediate Release
March 6, 2020

Contact: Morgan P’Pool

Morgan.PPool@LRC.KY.GOV

SENATOR STAN HUMPHRIES’ LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

The Kentucky General Assembly reached the deadline to file new bills this week. Slightly less than 1,000 bills were filed—286 in the Senate and 647 in the House. With this deadline behind us, we now have a more complete view of the issues lawmakers will take up this year.

Senate Bill (SB) 2, the Senate’s proposed voter ID requirement bill, passed in the House this week with provisions. The Senate did not concur with these changes and asked the House to recede its changes to the bill. If an agreement is not reached, SB 2 will then move to a conference committee for further discussion.

A House measure relating to medicinal marijuana research passed in the Senate.  House Concurrent Resolution 5 urges national drug organizations, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to expedite research into the potential therapeutic benefits and risks of using marijuana for health purposes.

Women represented 40 percent of the computer science workforce in 1995. Today, that number is less than 25 percent, which is an alarming decrease to me. SB 193 establishes a goal of increasing participation in computer science courses by underrepresented groups, including females, minorities, students with disabilities, English language learners, and students whose families are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. SB 193 includes the number of computer science courses or programs offered in each school, as well as the nature of those courses or programs and the number of instructors required.

Legislation to rein in surprise medical billing has now advanced to the House. SB 150 seeks to stop the practice by requiring insurers to cover surprise medical billing. This happens when a patient receives medical care—often unwittingly—outside of their insurer’s network. Subsequently, the patient is billed by doctors or hospitals or both for the amount insurance did not cover. SB 150 would require the state insurance commissioner to establish a database of billed health care service charges, and it would provide a dispute resolution program for medical insurers and providers to work out their differences over these out-of-network charges and not the patient.

A bill that would criminalize the “doxing” of minors, SB 182, also passed. By definition, doxing is the act of publicly identifying or publishing private information about someone, especially as a form of punishment, intimidation, or revenge. This legislation was brought after a northern Kentucky student was doxed following the posting of a video of him with a Native American protester in Washington D.C. SB 182 is a commonsense step to address the growing problem of cyber harassment in today’s digital-driven era and would protect the privacy of minors.

Other bills passing this week include:

SB 21 would require veterinarians to report the abuse of animals under their care. Kentucky is the only state where veterinarians are currently prohibited by law from reporting animal abuse unless they have owner permission or are under a court order.

SJR 35 would direct the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to establish the Task Force on Services for Persons with Brain Injuries.

SB 37 would allow veteran-managed nonprofits to waive some startup fees. It would do this by amending the existing Boots to Business program to include these nonprofits. Through the program, new businesses that are majority-owned by a military veteran or an active-service member are eligible for fee waivers for the initial business filing, as well as the annual report filings. SB 37 passed by a 33-0 vote and was sent to the House for its consideration.

SB 115 would amend the statute regarding the tuition waiver for Kentucky foster or adopted children to include graduate programs and extends the eligibility time period to 10 consecutive or non-consecutive semesters up to age 28.

SB 136 would codify in statute that home health aides providing Alzheimer’s and dementia care have four hours of training in their first 60 days of employment. It would also require an annual, two-hour refresher course.

SB 148 would require individuals applying to claim certain agriculture exceptions to first apply for an agriculture exemption number from the Kentucky Department of Revenue (DOR). The bill further requires that DOR develop a searchable agriculture exemptions-number database for sellers and retailers to use for verification.

SB 159 would require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to promulgate regulations for the operation and maintenance of public splash pads, areas with sprinklers and fountains but little or no standing water. There are currently no regulations on how splash pads should be operated and maintained. 

SB 161 would toughen penalties for predators who target children online. Among other things, it would increase penalties for people who prey on children under the age of 12. The bill would also make it easier for investigators to conduct undercover stings by clarifying that they are allowed to pose as children online.

The pace in Frankfort is getting quicker, and I anticipate an increase in visitors and advocates from across the Commonwealth.  If you have the time and opportunity, please stop by my office in Frankfort or call for an appointment. If you have any questions or comments about any of these issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at Stan.Humphries@LRC.ky.gov

# # #

Note:  Senator Stan Humphries (R-Cadiz) represents the 1st District including Calloway, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Lyon, and Trigg Counties. Senator Humphries serves as vice chairman of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee and co-chairman of the Capital Planning Advisory Board and the Public Assistance Reform Task Force. He also serves as a member of the Agriculture Committee; the Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee; and the State and Local Government Committee, and the 2020-2022 Budget Preparation & Submission Statutory Committee. Additionally, he serves as an ex-officio member of the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection; Education; General Government, Finance, and Public Protection; Human Resources; Justice and Judiciary; and Transportation. For a high-resolution .jpeg of Senator Humphries, please log onto https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate101.jpg

TO VIEW FULL BILLS GO TO THIS LINK…

Medical marijuana bill advances in KY General Assembly

Above:  HB 136 primary cosponsor Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, presenting the medical marijuana legislation for a floor vote.

For Immediate Release

February 20, 2020

Medical marijuana bill advances in KY General Assembly

FRANKFORT— For the first time in Kentucky history, a bill to legalize medical marijuana came to a vote on the floor of the Kentucky House. Apparently the first time was a charm.

Members of the House voted 65-30 to approve the legalization of medical marijuana under House Bill 136, along with eight floor amendments to the bill. The measure now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

“HB 136 when it is passed, which I hope that it is, will be the tightest medical marijuana bill in the country,” said Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, who shares primary sponsorship of the measure with Rep. John Sims Jr., D-Flemingsburg.

Nemes said that he and Sims have spent years meeting with stakeholders to ensure that the legislation addresses their concerns.

“We’ve met with stakeholders from law enforcement, constituents, regular folks … patients, physicians, chiropractors. I mean, you name it, we’ve been there,” he said.

The bill as passed by the House would extensively clarify state policies for cultivation, processing, sale, distribution, and use of medical marijuana. Licensing of cannabis dispensaries is covered, as is maintenance of a cardholder registry for cannabis users.

Smoking of medical marijuana would be prohibited under HB 136.  The bill instead would allow the drug to be dispensed as “edibles” such as gummies, oils, or similar products.  Customers would be limited to a month’s supply at one time.

Keeping with the sponsors’ commitment to make HB 136 a public health bill and not a revenue maker, Nemes said excise taxes and all other revenue created by the bill would go to regulation of the program and nothing else. Additionally, local governments would have the last say in whether medical marijuana businesses operate within their jurisdiction.

Among those House members voting against the proposal was former Kentucky State Trooper and current pastor Rep. Chris Fugate, R-Chavies. He cited the fact that marijuana remains a federally controlled substance that isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as a reason for his vote.

“Marijuana, no matter how we look at it, is against federal law” and joins heroin, LSD, and ectasy as a Schedule I narcotic, said Fugate. It is also a “gateway drug,” he said, referring to drugs that are believed by some to lead to abuse of more dangerous drugs later on.

Voting is support of the bill was Rep. Robert Goforth, R-East Bernstadt. The licensed pharmacist said he supports the bill on behalf of individuals like his adult brother diagnosed years ago with cerebral palsy.

Goforth said he sees his brother suffer on a regular basis from “adverse side effects” caused by FDA-approved anticonvulsants and other drugs.

“If I can give him a little bit of relief from the FDA-approved medication that has caused those adverse side effects for him, to control those conditions, I’m going to do it. I have to do it,” he said.

END

KY: Sen. Perry B. Clark has introduced SB 105… “An ACT related to Cannabis”…

Image result for sen perry clark kentucky

As of today, January 22, 2020, Senator Perry Clark has introduced SB 105, “AN ACT relating to the regulation of cannabis and making an appropriation therefor”, as is posted on the Kentucky Legislature site. 

To date, this is the best Bill which I have seen, as it supports all facets of Cannabis, including medicinal use for those under 21 if needed. 

Here is a paragraph of the Bill:

Create various new sections of KRS Chapter 245 to define terms; to allow for possession, growth, use, processing, purchasing, transfer, and consumption of cannabis; to establish limits for transfer; to allow for purchasing and manufacture of cannabis accessories; to authorize activities and operation of retail stores, consumption establishments, cultivation facilities, cannabis testing facilities, and product manufacturing facilities; to establish possession limits; to prohibit smoking cannabis in public and to establish a fine for violation; to prohibit operation of motor vehicles while consuming cannabis and to specify that existing intoxication laws are not superseded; to prohibit state or local resources to be used to investigate violations of federal Controlled Substances Act that conflict with this KRS Chapter 245; to specify that an employer is not required to allow consumption, workplace intoxication, possession, or transfer of cannabis; to prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from entering cannabis establishments, purchasing, using, or misrepresenting their age and to provide for exceptions; to establish provisions for palliative or therapeutic use of cannabis by persons under the age of 21  LINK

The full Bill can be viewed at this link….

Please view the entire Bill!

RotundaRally3.11.20

https://kentuckymarijuanaparty.com/2019/12/19/2020-kentucky-marijuana-bills/

https://kentuckymarijuanaparty.com/2020/01/16/kentucky-please-get-involved-this-session/

https://kentuckymarijuanaparty.com/2020/01/16/kentucky-cannabis-rally-at-the-rotunda-in-frankfort/

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/20rs/sb105.html

https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=137

In a related article from 2013…

https://louisvillefuture.com/archived-news/perry-clark-pushes-for-pot-says-the-people-must-push/

Big Hemp News in Kentucky…With National Impact

Both historically, and more recently as prohibition has been lifted, Kentucky has played an outsized role in the development of the nation’s hemp industry.  From 19th century hemp farmer/US House Speaker Henry Clay to today’s political leaders, such as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and U.S. Reps. James Comer and Thomas Massie, Kentuckians have served as national leaders in legalizing, cultivating and commercializing the crop.

Today, a significant step was taken by Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles:  Quarles announced this morning that Kentucky would NOT be submitting a hemp plan for USDA approval under the agency’s Interim Final Rule (IFR), but rather would continue to operate its program under the 2014 Farm Bill authorization.  Just as with the concerns we shared here (and in our private meetings with USDA leadership), Quarles recognized that many outstanding issues remain regarding the IFR, and that these issues that are not likely to be resolved before planting season begins.  Instead, the Department will share its recommendations with the USDA as it develops a final rule, hopefully in time for the 2021 growing season.

We imagine that other states will follow Kentucky’s lead and operate under the 2014 Farm Bill authorization as the USDA listens to stakeholders and the public as it designs its Final Rule.  This would make a strong statement that the IFR needs a substantial overhaul, and given the laudable public outreach conducted by the USDA, we are confident that the agency will listen and respond.

Hemp Supporters, that’s your cue…
If you haven’t yet submitted comments to the USDA about its Interim Final Rule, the deadline is next week, January 29.  You can submit your comments here.  And please feel free to echo any of the comments the Roundtable made, which are available here

SOURCE:  U.S. Hemp Roundtable <info@hempsupporter.com>

KENTUCKY CANNABIS RALLY AT THE ROTUNDA IN FRANKFORT!

The people of Kentucky, all groups, all BILLS for Cannabis whether it be “Medical” or “Adult Use”, Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or Independent, are requested to join us in Frankfort Kentucky on March 11, 2020 to show our support for the effort in our State!

Please plan to be there!

RotundaRally3.11.20

LOCATED AT CAPITOL ROTUNDA

700 CAPITOL AVE

FRANKFORT, KY  40601

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/19rs/hb136.html

AN ACT relating to medicinal marijuana and making an appropriation therefor.

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/20rs/hb148.html

AN ACT relating to the regulation of cannabis and making an appropriation therefor.

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/20rs/hb236.html

AN ACT relating to hemp and declaring an emergency.

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/20rs/hb221.html

AN ACT relating to marijuana possession.

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/20rs/hb102.html

AN ACT relating to employment-related drug screens.

RELATED GROUPS/PAGES ON FACEBOOK!

MY RIGHT TO DECIDE

https://www.facebook.com/MYRIGHTTODECIDE/

KY4MM

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ky4mm/?ref=br_rs

KENTUCKY 411 UNCENSORED

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2091597957797912/

KENTUCKY MARIJUANA PARTY

https://www.facebook.com/USMjPartyKY/?ref=br_rs

FREE THE WEED KENTUCKY

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1428715180676475/?ref=br_rs