Kentucky isn’t one of the 33 states that have legalized medical marijuana. Even the possession of small amounts of the drug may land you in jail, especially in Louisville, the state’s largest city.
However, Louisville is now going to get a little lenient once it passes Marijuana Decriminalization Ordinance, which will assign possession of small amounts of marijuana the lowest priority for law enforcement.
Notably, the public safety committee of Louiseville’s metro council, which voted for the ordinance on Wednesday, also approved a few exceptions, such as marijuana being sold, possessed by minors; used while driving; or related to violence.
“When you think about justice and equity, I personally feel that this should have happened a long time ago,” councilperson Jessica Green was quoted as saying by local news sources.
Under the state law, possession of up to 3 ounces of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable with up to 45 days in prsion. Also, the second offense of growing over 5 plants can incarcerate an individual in jail for 5-10 years.
These would still be valid; however, the ordinance will no longer require Louisville police to pursue the cases of such offenders with high priority.
“It’s quite a moderate law intended to give relief to a large number of people who have to unnecessarily go through a criminal justice system,” councilperson Brandon Coan said.
Gubernatorial candidate Adam Edelen is also rooting for a similar decriminalization plan for cannabis that “would reflect our modern world and save people from unnecessary trials.”
Kentucky is quite far behind other states in terms of cannabis legalization; however, a bill that is in its second reading in the house judiciary committee may finally create a medical marijuana program. Notably, an attempt to set up a legalized medical marijuana framework in the state ‘miserably’ failed in 2015.
“Kentucky should be ready to move forward with a responsible piece of legislation,” said former House Speaker, Stumbo.
