A bill to give Kentucky residents access to medical marijuana could go up for a full state House vote as soon as this week. 

The state’s House Judiciary Committee cleared the bill a 17-1 vote last week. Now, the full House is expected to vote on it and, if approved, it will head to the state Senate. Governor Andy Beshear has indicated he will sign the bill into law if it passes the Senate, which would make Kentucky the 34th state to allow medical use. 

“[Kentucky is] a state that’s really been hit hard by the opioid epidemic and patients have been rallying and lobbying in Frankfort for many years imploring lawmakers to pass a medical cannabis law,” Marijuana Policy Project Legislative Analyst Matt Simon told Cheddar Tuesday. 

Kentucky has the third-highest rate of opioid fatalities in the nation. 

Simon said the bill would prohibit smoking cannabis, but would allow patients to purchase whole flower cannabis for other uses, like vaping and cooking into edibles, Simon said. 

Some lawmakers initially thought the anti-smoking clause was too restrictive, but the compromise ultimately made it into the latest version of the bill.

Share:
More In Culture
Top Toys for Under $20
Getting your children doesn't mean you need to break the bank to do so. Cheddar News' Michelle Castillo attended Toy Insider's Holiday of Play event to find toys that you can get for under $20 ahead of the upcoming holiday shopping season.
Cheddar Paws: Observing National Service Dog Month
September is National Dog Service Month. Rubie Nathanson, a trainer with Dog Training Elite, joined Cheddar News to discuss the differences between a service dog and a typical pet and the importance of service dogs overall.
Cheddar News Attends Cosmetic Executive Women Beauty Bazaar
Cosmetic Executive Women is holding their Beauty Creator Awards and Cheddar News' Hena Doba went to check out some of the groundbreaking beauty products that were on display for hair care, skin care along with fragrances and color cosmetics.
Load More