GOP Bill Seeks To Expand Kentucky’s Medical Marijuana Eligibility, Despite Pushback From Colleagues
State Sen. Stephen West filed a bill to increase the number of eligible conditions for medical marijuana from six to 21, closely resembling the recommendations made by Gov. Andy Beshear and two committees that studied the issue.
West, one of the Republican supporters of medical marijuana legalization, said he’s been working on the bill to expand qualifying conditions with Sam Flynn, the executive director of the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program, reported WKYU on Monday.
“They were working in conjunction with us,” West said. “We had multiple meetings during the interim. It’s with our blessing. I mean, it’s kind of a joint effort.”
West’s bill is viewed as a positive development among patient advocates and businesses looking to potentially invest in Kentucky’s medical marijuana program, which will go into effect in January 2025.
That said, the bill will need support among the GOP caucus, which is divided over legalizing medical marijuana.
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