Medical cannabis bill will start in Senate; sponsor says Beshear issued order allowing it as ‘wedge issue’ and tool for re-election
This story has been updated with a comment from Gov. Andy Beshear’s office.
By Melissa Patrick and Al Cross
Kentucky Health News
State Sen. Stephen West said Dec. 13 that he will resume sponsoring medical marijuana legislation when the General Assembly convenes Jan. 3, and doesn’t think the state should wait two years for completion of cannabis research that the legislature authorized in the last session.
“I don’t believe we should wait. Of course, I’ll admit I’m totally biased on the subject, obviously,” West, R-Paris, told David “Kruser” Krusenklaus in an interview on Lexington’s WVLK. “But I will admit and concede that there has been a lack of study in the United States on this subject.”
The legislature tasked the University of Kentucky Cannabis Center with researching the health effects of the cannabis plant, including its risks and benefits when used to treat certain medical conditions, after the state Senate again refused to hear a House-passed bill to authorize medical marijuana.
The other major result of the bill’s failure was a Nov. 15 executive order by Gov. Andy Beshear that, beginning Jan. 1, allows possession of up to 8 ounces of cannabis for medical use by individuals who buy it in states where it is legal and have a doctor’s statement that they have one of 21 conditions treated with it.
West was asked if the order, which uses the governor’s pardon power, would be helpful or hurtful to getting a more comprehensive bill passed. He said he agreed with other Republicans (including the House bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville) who have said this would not be helpful.
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| Sen. Stephen West |
“I agree 100 percent with Rep. Nemes,” West said. “The governor’s approach has not been helpful in getting this thing across the finish line. You know, I’m not going to be too critical, but you know we’re entering an election year and this issue polls through the roof; it’s a very popular issue. And I believe the governor was just wanting to use this as a wedge issue . . . not only a wedge issue as we go into session, but also for his upcoming campaign.” Beshear is on the ballot for re-election in 2023.
Beshear’s office denied that the executive order was a political move.
West said the legislation will start in the Senate this time because it has passed the House twice but failed in the Senate. He said Republican senators who favor it agreed at a recent caucus that he would take the lead because he has sponsored such legislation in previous sessions, though not this year.
“Over the past five years, there’s been progress, ” he said. The House last passed a medical marijuana bill in the 2022 session by a vote of 59-34 .”I’ve been here since 2015,” said West. “And my experience is that really any large-scale bill, in any subject that requires a lot of thought, takes a good four years to make it through the process. This is not unusual.”
West said if legislators want to move the bill, they could do so quickly: “Our members are well aware of the issue and all the back and forth on it. If we wanted to move something, I don’t think it would take a great deal of time.”
At least 37 states and the District of Columbia allow medical marijuana, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
West told Kruser that his bill has not been filed yet because the Senate no longer allows senators to pre-file bills. He said as a starting point, he will be filing the same bill he filed in 2021 with the expectation that it will be changed during the legislative process.
“The governor’s approach has not been helpful in getting this thing across the finish line. You know, I’m not going to be too critical, but you know we’re entering an election year and this issue polls through the roof; it’s a very popular issue. And I believe the governor was just wanting to use this as a wedge issue . . . not only a wedge issue as we go into session, but also for his upcoming campaign.”
The GOP(MAGA KLAN) if they didn’t want the governor to use it as a political issue then they should have passed it the last time they were in session. Now they are mad because the governor outsmarted them which isn’t that hard to do.
You couldn’t have been a valuable asset to society. I would love to know what you’ve done for a living in your past because clearly you just troll now
Tommy what are you doing?
Put my taxes and earnings up against yours any day.
All I said was the GOP(MAGA KLAN) In Frankfort can pass ANYTHING THEY WANT without even the Governor support they had a chance to pass medical pot and they couldn’t get it done.
Now they are crying the Governor outsmarted them which isn’t that hard to do.
My bet is KAG and family have been on the draw since about 1965, never worked, never will. Lives in a project house down by the river or a van!
LIL Charley you will loose that bet now you have been on the tax payers dime for years and to this day still taking the tax payers money
Don’t agree with ya on much, but you’re right about GOP missed a great opportunity to win some younger voters…
What’s wrong with MAGA though ? Surely you’re not oblivious to disastrous Democrat policies, that has Americans paying more and having less, are you ?
I sure don’t believe in trying to overthrow the government like the MAGA KLAN did how about you?
I believe what should come first is a peaceful transfer of power like we have had for over 240 years until the MAGA KLAN came along.
As a proud Republican, a former cop and having held elected office, I see NO problem with legal pot (21 and older) To many dried up, anal retentive old azzwipes if you ask me. Where it is legal; cities. counties and states are making a fortune in taxes…and that helps people. BTW I’m 66.
But are you a Part of the MAGA KLAN
No.
Then you are an American believe in the peaceful transfer of power
I’m a proud Republican and or first an American, however this post isn’t about anything you talk about, as usual.
Charley if you read my first comment it was about how the Governor outsmarted the GOP(MAGA KLAN).
Then Tommy and Freddie joined in and got their feelings hurt talking about MAGA a lot of that happens on here. Judging by your response you would still vote for the MAGA King
Why, for the love of GOD don’t you shut up?
Again talk about the MAGA King things get touchy
P.S. like to see you try it LiL Charley
Let’s say you are correct that Trump was terrible in every aspect he served. Is Biden good in your eyes, and is the country better off now?
Trump was terrible Tommy and yes we are much better without him. Yes the country is better off now than in 2020 Trumps last year
The peaceful transfer of power is one of the most important process we have as a republic and Trump didn’t follow through with it he tried his best to stop it. I f he gets second chance he will not make same mistakes twice.
And furthermore I can see why they’d want to legalize and capitalize on this issue. It’s inevitable it will be legalized so why not cash in on the tax revenue because that’s really all that matters anymore is that they can squeeze as much as possible out of citizens. So I do agree with all that you’ve said in this matter KAG. We can agree on some things and be civilized! Hope you have a Merry Christmas and do stay warm!
You too Tommy
Tom I’m sure you know a state can’t tax medical pot, only recreational? So the Governor will continue to squeeze the citizens. Merry Christmas to all, and KAG enjoy that gooberment turkey on the taxpayers.
The governor cannot do anything without the GOP(MAGA KLAN) VETO PROOF MAJORITY in Frankfort Charley need to try and keep up
That adds cheer to my heart KAGIE!
You have no heart Charley just a leech off of the taxpayers