KY House approves medical marijuana bill. Critics say it creates new hurdles for patients

New medical marijuana legislation would add more requirements for patients and allow local schools and governments to “opt-out” of the state’s cardholder program set to go live in 2025.

House Bill 829 cleared the Kentucky House Tuesday and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. Advocates say the changes it proposes are necessary to further protect patients, while opponents see the new requirements as additional obstacles to care.

Here’s a deeper look at what HB 829 would do and the debate around the legislation.

WHAT DOES HOUSE BILL 829 DO FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN KY?

Republican Rep. Jason Nemes, who represents parts of Jefferson, Oldham and Shelby counties, sponsored the bill, along with Rep. Patrick Flannery, R-Olive Hill.

When Nemes brought HB 829 to the chamber’s floor for a vote Tuesday, he described the legislation as a “clean up” bill meant to smooth over issues with last year’s medical cannabis law. The legislation makes needed changes to protect patients, Nemes said.

Nemes then outlined the provisions of the bill. Some of the more notable changes include the following:

Allows local governments to opt-out of the state program, provided they do so before the state grants a license to a cannabis business seeking to operate in the local government’s territory. [Read more at Lexington Herald Leader]