Beshear: Ready to explore action on medical marijuana issue
2 years, 8 months ago

Beshear: Ready to explore action on medical marijuana issue

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — If a bill legalizing medical marijuana doesn’t reach his desk, Gov. Asked if he could potentially issue an executive order making medical marijuana accessible if the bill dies, the governor told reporters: “We’re going to explore that.” “It’s something that we will look at,” he said. “Its time has certainly come.” But the governor called on lawmakers to send him a bill that would allow Kentucky to join the majority of states that legalized medical marijuana. Senate President Robert Stivers said Thursday that “it would be difficult” to pass the measure once lawmakers reconvene next week for the final two days of this year’s 60-day session. Opponents say they worry that Kentucky’s cannabis policy would become more lenient over the years if medical marijuana gets a legal foothold.

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History of this topic

A decision on a major policy shift on marijuana won’t come until after the presidential election
3 months, 2 weeks ago

A decision on a major policy shift on marijuana won’t come until after the presidential election

Associated Press  

Follow live: Updates from AP’s coverage of the presidential election. While it’s possible it could precede the end of President Joe Biden’s term, issuing it before Inauguration Day “would be pretty expedited,” said cannabis lawyer Brian Vicente. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, signaled support for a Florida legalization measure on Saturday, following earlier comments that he increasingly agrees …

Kentucky to open applications for the state’s medical marijuana business
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Kentucky to open applications for the state’s medical marijuana business

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Businesses that want to sell, process or grow medical marijuana for Kentucky can start applying for permits starting Monday, part of an accelerated push to have products available in early 2025, Gov. Patients can apply for medical cannabis cards starting Jan. 1 if they have qualifying illnesses, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or …

As the US moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, could more states legalize it?
7 months, 2 weeks ago

As the US moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, could more states legalize it?

Associated Press  

As the U.S. government moves toward reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug, there may be little immediate impact in the dozen states that have not already legalized cannabis for widespread medical or recreational use by adults. Following two previous failed attempts, a Nebraska group is gathering signatures to get two measures onto this year’s ballot: one to legalize medical …

Marijuana backers eye proposed federal regulatory change as an aid to legalizing pot in more states
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Marijuana backers eye proposed federal regulatory change as an aid to legalizing pot in more states

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Following two previous failed attempts, …

Kansas won’t have legal medical pot or expand Medicaid for at least another year
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Kansas won’t have legal medical pot or expand Medicaid for at least another year

Associated Press  

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas will remain among the handful of states that haven’t legalized the medical use of marijuana or expanded their Medicaid programs for at least another year. “We’re behind the times,” state Sen. John Doll, a western Kansas Republican who voted for both measures, said after Friday’s votes. Laura Kelly even linked medical marijuana to Medicaid expansion in …

Wisconsin Republicans appear to be at an impasse over medical marijuana legalization plan
11 months, 1 week ago

Wisconsin Republicans appear to be at an impasse over medical marijuana legalization plan

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans appear to be at an impasse over a proposal to legalize medical marijuana. Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu last week said the bill’s proposed creation of state-run dispensaries was a “nonstarter.” Vos said at a news conference that “months and months of negotiations” resulted in a “very detailed bill” he proposed that has the minimum …

Wisconsin governor who called for marijuana legalization says he’ll back limited GOP proposal
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Wisconsin governor who called for marijuana legalization says he’ll back limited GOP proposal

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, who has pushed for full legalization of recreational marijuana, said Wednesday that he is open to a more limited medical marijuana legalization being promoted by Republicans. Vos said the proposal would be limited and modeled after the medical marijuana law that had been in place in neighboring Minnesota before it moved to full …

Kentucky governor backs longer list of conditions eligible for treatment under medical marijuana law
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Kentucky governor backs longer list of conditions eligible for treatment under medical marijuana law

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Access to medical marijuana in Kentucky should expand to include a longer list of severe health conditions, Gov. The Democratic governor said the law is based on “providing relief to Kentuckians with severe medical conditions” and should therefore be expanded. “While the legislation referenced several qualifying conditions, it left others out.” The expansion would make an estimated …

North Carolina medical marijuana bill likely dead for this year, House speaker says
1 year, 5 months ago

North Carolina medical marijuana bill likely dead for this year, House speaker says

Associated Press  

RALEIGH, N.C. — Legislation that would legalize marijuana use for medicinal purposes in North Carolina is probably dead for the rest of this year’s General Assembly session, House Speaker Tim Moore said Tuesday, citing opposition by many fellow Republicans in his chamber. Moore said he agreed with recent public comments from House Majority John Bell of Wayne County, who said …

North Carolina senator pushing medical marijuana bill describes smoking pot during cancer fight
1 year, 6 months ago

North Carolina senator pushing medical marijuana bill describes smoking pot during cancer fight

Associated Press  

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina General Assembly’s chief advocate for legalizing medical marijuana in the state revealed publicly on Tuesday how he smoked pot over 20 years ago to withstand discomforts of intense chemotherapy during a fight with cancer. He said he told his local police chief and sheriff that “I’m going to have to buy drugs illegally to …

Governor’s new stance revives New Hampshire marijuana effort
1 year, 7 months ago

Governor’s new stance revives New Hampshire marijuana effort

Associated Press  

CONCORD, N.H. — Gov. The House Commerce Committee voted Tuesday to amend an unrelated bill as a vehicle for a new plan where the state regulates marijuana the same way it controls the sale of wine and liquor, in line with what the Republican governor and potential presidential candidate outlined. The latest measure is similar to a plan lawmakers considered …

Beshear signs bipartisan bills, with campaign looming
1 year, 8 months ago

Beshear signs bipartisan bills, with campaign looming

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear joined with Republican lawmakers as he signed historic measures Friday that will legalize medical marijuana and sports wagering in Kentucky, calling it an example of divided government working to get the “tough things” done that voters want. “It was said, can you — with a Democratic governor and a supermajority Republican legislature — …

Kentucky House gives final passage to medical marijuana bill
1 year, 8 months ago

Kentucky House gives final passage to medical marijuana bill

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Medical marijuana advocates achieved a long-sought victory Thursday, when Kentucky lawmakers gave final passage to a measure to legalize access to medical cannabis for people suffering from a defined list of debilitating illnesses. “This is a truly historic day here in the commonwealth and one that many people deserve — especially the constituents who’ve approached me over …

Medical marijuana proposal gains momentum in Kentucky
1 year, 9 months ago

Medical marijuana proposal gains momentum in Kentucky

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Supporters of legalizing medical marijuana in Kentucky achieved a breakthrough Tuesday when their bill cleared a Senate committee with support from a key Republican leader after years of running into a roadblock. Medical cannabis supporters broke into applause when Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer voted for the bill after years of opposing marijuana-related legislation. Thayer approved …

North Carolina Senate backs legalizing pot for medical use
1 year, 9 months ago

North Carolina Senate backs legalizing pot for medical use

Associated Press  

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Senate voted on Tuesday to legalize marijuana use for medical purposes, giving strong bipartisan support for the second year in a row to an idea that its supporters say would give relief to those with debilitating or life-ending illnesses. Under North Carolina’s bill, a new state commission would award licenses to 10 entities that …

Beshear defends legality of his action on medical marijuana
2 years, 1 month ago

Beshear defends legality of his action on medical marijuana

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Beshear’s action will enable Kentuckians to possess up to 8 ounces of medical marijuana at any one time for use for specified medical conditions, provided the cannabis is purchased legally in other states. The governor said Thursday he would be “happy” to rescind his order if the state’s GOP-dominated legislature passes legislation next year to legalize …

Kentucky governor relaxes ban on medical marijuana
2 years, 1 month ago

Kentucky governor relaxes ban on medical marijuana

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. GOP state Rep. Jason Nemes, a leading supporter of legalizing medical marijuana, said in a social media post: “As much as I support his effort to bring medical marijuana to Kentucky, this unprecedented power grab cannot stand.” House Speaker David Osborne acknowledged in a statement there is support for medical marijuana in Kentucky but said “the …

After election, marijuana advocates look to next states
2 years, 1 month ago

After election, marijuana advocates look to next states

Associated Press  

— Law-abiding marijuana enthusiasts could find themselves in a bit of a predicament following voter approval of a recreational cannabis initiative in Missouri. Maryland residents will have to wait even longer — until the middle of next year — before a recreational marijuana measure approved this past week can take effect. After Democratic victories in last week’s legislative and gubernatorial …

Governor names 17 to medical marijuana advisory panel
2 years, 6 months ago

Governor names 17 to medical marijuana advisory panel

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear named 17 people on Tuesday to serve on a medical marijuana advisory team that he formed by an executive order. Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Kerry Harvey and Public Protection Cabinet Secretary Ray Perry will serve as co-chairs of the panel, which includes health care professionals, members of law enforcement and advocates …

Medical pot proposal gets bipartisan support in NC Senate
2 years, 6 months ago

Medical pot proposal gets bipartisan support in NC Senate

Associated Press  

RALEIGH, N.C. — Marijuana would be legalized for medical use in North Carolina with a physician’s prescription and purchased through dozens of tightly regulated dispensaries in a measure receiving initial approval Thursday in the Senate. The legislation, which received strong bipartisan support, could help people facing more than a dozen different “debilitating medical conditions” in which their doctor declares the …

Medical pot bill resurfaces in NC Senate, heading to floor
2 years, 6 months ago

Medical pot bill resurfaces in NC Senate, heading to floor

Associated Press  

RALEIGH, N.C. — Legislation authorizing marijuana for medical use in North Carolina and developing a system to grow, sell and regulate cannabis was recommended by a state Senate committee Wednesday, nine months after it last surfaced. The measure, which now heads to the Senate floor for the first of two required votes Thursday, would allow patients with at least one …

Beshear predicts leeway for some action on medical cannabis
2 years, 7 months ago

Beshear predicts leeway for some action on medical cannabis

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear sounded increasingly confident Thursday that he will have the leeway to take “at least some executive action” to make medical marijuana legally accessible in Kentucky. The Democratic governor first floated the possibility of executive action about a month ago, and since then the latest bill to legalize medical marijuana died in the Republican-dominated state …

Kentucky gov: New center won’t slow medical cannabis review
2 years, 7 months ago

Kentucky gov: New center won’t slow medical cannabis review

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday that a newly created cannabis research center won’t slow his review of whether he has the authority to singlehandedly legalize medical marijuana — a decision that’s likely to come this summer. The governor said he sees value in the cannabis center’s formation, but added some lawmakers used it as a tactic …

Kentucky gov asks input, weighing action on medical cannabis
2 years, 8 months ago

Kentucky gov asks input, weighing action on medical cannabis

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. The Democratic governor said he’ll seek grassroots input as his legal team explores his potential options to make medical marijuana legally accessible. Republican Senate President Robert Stivers said Kentuckians should be concerned that the governor “thinks he can change statute by executive order.” “He simply can’t legalize medical marijuana by executive order; you can’t supersede a …

Legalizing medical marijuana gets first public hearing
2 years, 8 months ago

Legalizing medical marijuana gets first public hearing

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — A Republican-authored bill to legalize medical marijuana in Wisconsin will be getting its first public hearing next week, achieving one goal of backers and the latest sign of progress for those who want to loosen the state’s laws. But the April 20 Senate committee hearing on the medical marijuana bill will give supporters their highest profile chance …

Medical marijuana bill heads to South Carolina House floor
2 years, 8 months ago

Medical marijuana bill heads to South Carolina House floor

Associated Press  

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A bill allowing limited use of medical marijuana in South Carolina is heading to the House floor — the furthest the proposal has made it during the eight years its passionate supporters have been pushing for it. The bill’s sponsor said if it passes, South Carolina’s law would be one of the most conservative of the nearly …

SC House committee sets public hearing on medical marijuana
2 years, 8 months ago

SC House committee sets public hearing on medical marijuana

Associated Press  

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A House committee will hold a public hearing Monday on a bill to allow the use of medical marijuana in South Carolina. A small group of House members Thursday made a few changes in the lengthy bill passed in February by the full Senate on a 28-15 vote. Much of that is expected for the meeting Monday …

Kentucky House passes bill to legalize medical marijuana
2 years, 9 months ago

Kentucky House passes bill to legalize medical marijuana

Associated Press  

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky House endorsed legalizing medical marijuana, passing a bill Thursday to strictly regulate the use of cannabis for a list of eligible medical conditions. Opponents said they worry that Kentucky’s cannabis policy would become more lenient over the years if medical marijuana gets a legal foothold. The House amended the bill to add post-traumatic stress disorder …

Republican lawmakers unveil medical marijuana regulations
2 years, 9 months ago

Republican lawmakers unveil medical marijuana regulations

Associated Press  

OKLAHOMA CITY — Republicans in the Oklahoma House on Monday unveiled a package of new restrictions on the state’s booming medical marijuana industry, designed to crack down on illegal growers who sell cannabis on the black market. “If you’re an illegal operator in Oklahoma, you’re time is up,” said Rep. Scott Fetgatter, an Okmulgee Republican and a member of the …

SC Senate approves medical marijuana bill, House up next
2 years, 10 months ago

SC Senate approves medical marijuana bill, House up next

Associated Press  

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina senators Wednesday approved the use of medical marijuana in the state on a 28-15 vote that finished a Republican senator’s seven-year quest to pass the proposal, but the legislation still has some hurdles to pass to become law. Davis said his proposal would be one of the most conservative among the 37 states that have …

Legalizing marijuana gaining momentum in Wisconsin
2 years, 10 months ago

Legalizing marijuana gaining momentum in Wisconsin

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — The push to legalize marijuana in Wisconsin enjoys some bipartisan support, but backers of bills that would make it legal for either medical or recreational use say it won’t happen this year. “I never thought I was going to live to see the day, but we’re actually talking realistically about marijuana reform,” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Janet …

SC Senate medical marijuana debate stretches to third week
2 years, 10 months ago

SC Senate medical marijuana debate stretches to third week

Associated Press  

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The debate over whether to legalize medical marijuana in South Carolina is extending into a third week in the state Senate starting Tuesday, with a Republican leader telling his colleagues to plan for late nights to bring the issue to a vote. Other opponents said Davis’ bill creates a massive new bureaucracy to handle medical marijuana. Democratic …

SC senator gets 7-year wish for medical marijuana debate
2 years, 10 months ago

SC senator gets 7-year wish for medical marijuana debate

Associated Press  

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Sen. Tom Davis walked up to the well of the Senate about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday to finally get the medical marijuana debate to which he has dedicated more than seven years of his legislative career. Palmetto Family Council President Dave Wilson wondered why the state Senate prioritized the marijuana debate over other issues like cutting …

GOP lawmakers try again to legalize medical marijuana
2 years, 10 months ago

GOP lawmakers try again to legalize medical marijuana

Associated Press  

MADISON, Wis. — A group of Republican lawmakers resurrected a bill Wednesday to legalize medical marijuana in Wisconsin, saying it’s time to at least talk about using the drug as a natural way to help the sick treat their ailments naturally. Sen. Mary Felzkowski and Rep. Patrick Snyder’s bill would create a new state commission that would regulate medical marijuana. …

Medical marijuana moves 1 step closer in Mississippi
2 years, 11 months ago

Medical marijuana moves 1 step closer in Mississippi

Associated Press  

— Mississippi is moving closer to joining most other states in allowing people to use marijuana to relieve medical conditions. The state House voted 104-14 Wednesday to pass a bill that would create a medical marijuana program. When the bill passed the Senate, it said a person with a marijuana prescription could obtain up to 3.5 grams of the substance …

Medical marijuana advances with Mississippi senate vote
2 years, 11 months ago

Medical marijuana advances with Mississippi senate vote

Associated Press  

— Mississippi senators voted Thursday to advance a bill that would create a medical marijuana program, sending it to the House for more work. Blackwell has been one of the lead negotiators the past several months on creating a medical marijuana program for Mississippi residents with debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, AIDS and sickle cell anemia. Tate Reeves has …

Medical marijuana proposal moves to Mississippi Senate
2 years, 11 months ago

Medical marijuana proposal moves to Mississippi Senate

Associated Press  

— A bill to create a medical marijuana program is headed for debate in the Mississippi Senate in coming days. In November 2020, a wide margin of Mississippi voters approved an initiative to allow medical marijuana, and a program was supposed to be in place by the middle of 2021. In May, the state Supreme Court ruled that the initiative …

Louisiana lawmakers: Strain too slow on medical marijuana
3 years, 1 month ago

Louisiana lawmakers: Strain too slow on medical marijuana

Associated Press  

— Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain came under fire Thursday from state lawmakers who complained his regulatory agency was moving too slowly in expanding the medical marijuana products available to patients. The News-Star reports that Strain, a Republican, told a special legislative commission looking at the state’s medicinal pot program that he won’t compromise public safety to fast-track new products. …

Reeves: Work still happening on medical marijuana proposal
3 years, 2 months ago

Reeves: Work still happening on medical marijuana proposal

Associated Press  

Tate Reeves said Tuesday that he and legislative leaders are continuing to negotiate changes in a proposal to create a medical marijuana program, including putting tight limits on how much of the medicine one person could buy. “I believe very strongly that if we’re going to have a medical marijuana program, it’s very important that we get it done right,” …

Dobbs: Funding for medical marijuana regulation is a concern
3 years, 2 months ago

Dobbs: Funding for medical marijuana regulation is a concern

Associated Press  

— The Mississippi state health officer said Tuesday that he’s concerned about how the Health Department would receive money for its part in licensing and regulating a proposed medical marijuana program. Dr. Thomas Dobbs said some regulatory programs, such as restaurant inspections, are funded by specific fees, but “there’s no mechanism for funding” for the Health Department in a medical …

Mississippi gov: Still no word on medical marijuana session
3 years, 2 months ago

Mississippi gov: Still no word on medical marijuana session

Associated Press  

Tate Reeves on Monday was still not saying whether he will call legislators into special session to enact a medical marijuana program and consider other issues that House and Senate leaders are promoting. Delbert Hosemann and House Speaker Philip Gunn said Friday that they want Reeves to set a special session because negotiators from the two chambers have agreed on …

Mississippi session requested on medical marijuana proposal
3 years, 2 months ago

Mississippi session requested on medical marijuana proposal

Associated Press  

— Mississippi legislative leaders said Friday that they are asking Republican Gov. Tate Reeves to call the House and Senate into special session to enact a medical marijuana program and approve financial help for hospitals. They also want legislators during the session to authorize death benefit payments for law enforcement officers and first responders who die of COVID-19 and set …

Mississippi negotiators reach proposal on medical marijuana
3 years, 3 months ago

Mississippi negotiators reach proposal on medical marijuana

Associated Press  

— Mississippi House and Senate negotiators said Thursday that they have agreed on a proposed medical marijuana program. “This is not a recreational thing.” Yancey said that if the bill becomes law, cities and counties would be have 90 days to opt out of allowing medical marijuana growing sites, processing facilities and dispensaries. Blackwell said if a city or county …

Medical marijuana legalization keeps advancing in NC Senate
3 years, 3 months ago

Medical marijuana legalization keeps advancing in NC Senate

Associated Press  

RALEIGH, N.C. — A bill legalizing marijuana for medical use in North Carolina and developing a system to grow and sell it cleared two more legislative hurdles this week in the Senate. The Senate Health Care Committee voted for the measure on Thursday, two days after the judiciary committee approved an updated version compared to what it originally recommended in …

Mississippi lawmakers work toward medical marijuana program
3 years, 5 months ago

Mississippi lawmakers work toward medical marijuana program

Associated Press  

— Two Mississippi lawmakers say they’re continuing to work on proposals to create a medical marijuana program, two months after the state Supreme Court invalidated one that voters had approved. Yancey said a House bill would be similar to Initiative 65, which voters approved in November to allow medical marijuana use by people with some debilitating conditions. Initiative 65 was …

Wolf signs off on revisions to Pennsylvania medical pot law
3 years, 5 months ago

Wolf signs off on revisions to Pennsylvania medical pot law

Associated Press  

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Medical marijuana patients can continue to get a three month’s supply at a time, rather than one month’s, under revisions to the Pennsylvania program signed into law Wednesday by Gov. “This simply gives them a mechanism by which they can do that.” Chris Goldstein, a Pennsylvania regional organizer for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana …

Medical marijuana patients in Minnesota seek gun rights
3 years, 6 months ago

Medical marijuana patients in Minnesota seek gun rights

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Staunch conservatives and advocates of legal marijuana have formed an unlikely alliance in Minnesota to pressure the Legislature to allow medical cannabis patients to own guns. The more than 35,000 patients in Minnesota’s program can’t own guns as the law now stands because the federal government classifies marijuana as an illicit drug, on par with heroin, …

Smokable medical marijuana in Minnesota expected to cut cost
3 years, 7 months ago

Smokable medical marijuana in Minnesota expected to cut cost

Associated Press  

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Those enrolled in Minnesota’s medical marijuana program are expected to have a more affordable option to the liquid, oil and pills currently allowed under one of the nation’s most restrictive medical cannabis laws. McClellan said the smokable option is the most important change to the medical marijuana program since it was passed in 2014. “Most people …

Alabama Senate approves medical marijuana bill
3 years, 9 months ago

Alabama Senate approves medical marijuana bill

Associated Press  

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Senate on Wednesday approved medical marijuana legislation as advocates hope to get the measure enacted after years of setbacks in the conservative state. Senators voted 21-8 to approve the bill by Republican Sen. Tim Melson of Florence that would allow people with a qualifying medical condition to purchase marijuana, in forms such as gels or …

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