WITH SUPPORT OF NUMEROUS ORGANIZATIONS, REP. KULKARNI PRE-FILES BILLS DE-CRIMINALIZING PERSONAL USE OF CANNABIS
FRANKFORT – Looking to add Kentucky to the growing list of states that has authorized adult use of cannabis, state Rep. Nima Kulkarni pre-filed legislation today that would remove criminal penalties for possessing small amounts and give voters a chance to protect those provisions constitutionally. Numerous organizations have signed on in support.
“I am sponsoring these bills for several reasons, any one of which should be enough for them to become law,” said Rep. Kulkarni of Louisville. “First, current cannabis statutes have needlessly and tragically ruined many lives, especially people of color who have suffered because of unequal enforcement. Second, thousands of citizens, from cancer patients to veterans suffering from PTSD, should have the right to use something that gives them the mental and physical relief they deserve without relying on stronger, potentially addictive medicine. Third, cannabis de-criminalization would give the state a much-needed source of reliable revenue without raising current taxes a single cent. And, finally, polls have repeatedly shown a majority of Kentuckians backs de-criminalization and allowing cannabis to be used responsibly by adults. Other states taking this step are reaping considerable benefits, and it’s time for Kentucky to join them.”
Her constitutional amendment would go before voters next November if approved by three-fifths of the House and Senate during the upcoming 2022 legislative session. It would let Kentuckians 21 and older possess, use, buy or sell up to one ounce of cannabis without criminal penalty, including having up to five plants for personal use. The General Assembly would be tasked with regulating how cannabis is grown, taxed and sold.
Her second bill would have the legislature itself take away criminal penalties for possessing, cultivating and/or selling small amounts of cannabis while maintaining penalties for possessing larger amounts. The bill also would remove cannabis accessories from Kentucky’s drug-paraphernalia statutes.
“My bills complement each other because they give the General Assembly a short-term path to act quickly and a more permanent fix that gives cannabis use the constitutional protection it deserves,” Rep. Kulkarni said. “With the public’s support, I believe we can pass both next year.”
Her bills have the support of a variety of organizations. The following are statements of support from five of them:
ACLU of Kentucky said that “although our organizations have different missions, we are united in the cause to de-criminalize cannabis. Because of outdated and ill-enforced laws, thousands of Kentuckians have lost time and opportunities due to criminal convictions, and thousands more have suffered needlessly because Kentucky blocks cannabis’ medicinal use. It is past time for the commonwealth to join the 36 other states that have removed most if not all of these barriers, which is why we are proud to add our name to those supporting Rep. Nima Kulkarni’s legislation.”
Patrick Dunegan, director of Kentucky Cannabis Freedom Coalition, said his organization fully supports Rep. Kulkarni’s bills and her “efforts on changing the cannabis law here in Kentucky. This is a freedom and social issue in our state. Representative Kulkarni, we applaud you! We encourage everyone to support these bills.”
Mike Conway, state director for Americans for Prosperity-Kentucky, said, “We applaud Rep. Kulkarni for introducing bills that would move Kentucky away from the harmful policies that have criminalized the use and possession of marijuana. Criminal enforcement of marijuana possession has unnecessarily brought thousands of Kentuckians into the criminal justice system while diverting law enforcement resources away from public safety priorities such as violent crime reduction.”
Matthew Bratcher, Executive Director for Kentucky’s Official State Chapter for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), said his organization “commends Representative Kulkarni in her efforts to reform the cannabis possession laws in our commonwealth, and we encourage other legislators from both sides of the aisle to join her in making a difference in the lives of many of Kentuckians.”
C.J. Carter, Kentucky State Director for Minorities for Medical Marijuana, said, “We’re at the precipice of the opening of the cannabis industry here in Kentucky. This is indeed a dangerous moment in time for Black and Brown people. There’s a new multi-billion dollar industry that will soon open on both the Federal and State level while simultaneously, people who look like me remain criminalized behind bars and are once again being left out of the conversation. We now have the opportunity to write a different narrative in Kentucky that would benefit us first and foremost. The State of Kentucky and its history as it relates to cannabis owes a tremendous debt to the Black Community and that starts with this legislation that is being introduced by Rep. Kulkarni.”
First, current cannabis statutes have NOT needlessly and tragically ruined any lives! People make poor choices, some last a lifetime. Second, thousands of citizens, will likely get cancer and/or suffer other ailments as a result of using this DRUG., including increasing highway traffic accidents/injuries and even deaths. Third, we do not need income from cannabis de-criminalization; are you promising NO NEW TAXES, what happens when the revenue isn’t enough? And, finally, I know of no individuals in Kentucky, except a few 21-29 years who support de-criminalization of cannabis to adults; however many do support medicinal uses (more controlled) as I do. Other states taking this step are reaping considerable increases in cancers, joblessness, crime, poverty, etc. I don’t think Kentucky needs to join these states. Next you’ll be legalizing (decriminalizing) meth, right!
I am not entirely certain where any of your statistics or information come from. Marijuana has not been shown at any considerable level to cause any cancer. Not has it had a considerable impact on crime or mental
Health issues, or anything else. Most states that legalization are no dramatic difference either way. The only increased difference is in revenue. Now anytime you inhale anything including tobacco cancer can occur. However this is not causative. Most people would agree. Also, there are plenty of individuals who support cannabis reform. I am one of them and I am not 21-29. I am older than this. I think you sound like a product of the Reagan war on drugs. Do
You believe it is a gateway drug? I would wager you do, just like with everything else, you’ll use no evidence because none exists.
Here is a 62 year old who supports legalization and I have several friends my age who also do. Everything you quote is YOUR opinion, not facts.
Unequal enforcement? Maybe because more people of color smoke dope everyday. Lets pretent this is not true.
This is actually not true. Usually enforcement of crimes such as possession occur more in areas where police presence is higher. Thus inner cities where the population are a majority minority groups, see higher citation rates of possession. However caucasians use cannabis just as much if not more than minority groups.
percentage of blacks in this country is 14.2% by your math every black in this country smoke weed you would still come up short.
Maybe we should bring back Prohibition since we know it kills people
I use neither, but as long as alcohol is legal, cannibus should be legal.
Maybe as much but not more. Better check your fact source. Whites hide and smoke as blacks glorify it and accept weed as part of their culture. e.g. SnoopDogg, rap music.
Since we’re talking numbers here’s some you will never hear about from your liberal news organizations. According to the FBI crime statistics, Black males aged 15-34 make up 3% of population. This 3% is responsible for 54.9% of all robbery; 49.4% of all murders; 31.1% of all aggravated assults; 32.5 % of forciable rapes. Sad to say these are the people the democrates choose to support. But dont worry the squad wants to empty all prisons within a ten year span. Kyle Rittenhouse should be honored.