Submitted by: Senator Robin L. Webb
Senator, State of Kentucky
FRANKFORT ⎯ The commonwealth is one step closer to joining 37 other states who realized the benefits of medical marijuana. On Tuesday, Governor Andy Beshear announced an executive order to establish conditions for Kentuckians with at least one of 21 medical conditions to access medical cannabis beginning January 1, 2023. The requirements for possessing cannabis in Kentucky include:
- The product must be bought in a state where it is legal and regulated, along with proof of purchase;
- The amount a person can purchase and possess must not exceed 8 ounces, which is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Kentucky; and
- A certification from a licensed healthcare provider that authorizes the individual’s diagnosis must be present.
You can view more information about the Governor’s executive order on medical marijuana online at www.governor.ky.gov.
Lawmakers have begun conversing with various cabinets and agencies to hear their priorities and needs as we gear up for the 2023 session. I recently participated in a roundtable with the Kentucky Educational Development Cooperation (KEDC) to hear from education officials and stakeholders around the state. A recurring issue echoed by our educators is the need to address the teacher shortage coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous ideas brought forward ranged from loan forgiveness programs to paying for student teaching time. Another idea was investing more in teacher salaries to help offset all the tasks teachers are now responsible for in the classroom.
Regardless of how the Kentucky General Assembly proceeds, this is a timely matter we must handle. It is also worth noting that the 18th district was represented well by Superintendent Larry Coldiron of Raceland and Superintendent Jamie Weddington of Lewis County. Hearing firsthand from those on the ground is how we, as legislators, get the wheels turning to find the best policy solutions moving forward. I was proud to have been a part of this necessary conversation, and want to thank KEDC for including me.
The Kentucky General Assembly wrapped up the last round of 2022 interim joint committee meetings this week. Now, the legislature prepares for the upcoming regular session, while back home, we are preparing for the holidays. As I return to the district, I count my blessings and remind myself of what it means to be thankful.
I think of the many oppressed who are living in daily fear of imprisonment or death. I join many of you in being grateful to have a warm home and food on the table, as many do not have even a roof over their head or nourishment for their body. Thankfully, in Kentucky, we help our neighbors in times of need. I am thankful for the generosity of the many charities, programs, and individuals that assist our elderly, disabled, and less fortunate.
I appreciate having a public school system in Kentucky that allows every child to receive an education, which is the foundation of their future. We are fortunate to have teachers who want to see every child succeed. I am thankful for the military, first responders, and those on the front lines that protect the health and safety of our citizens. Most of all, I am thankful for my loving and supportive family. I would not be who I am or where I am without them.
I hope during the upcoming holiday season, you, too, will reflect on the many blessings and what being thankful means to you. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
We are now less than 50 days from the 2023 Regular Session. For more on the Kentucky General Assembly, visit legislature.ky.gov. On the website, you can see the weekly schedule, watch live and archived coverage of committee meetings, search legislator contact information, learn about the legislative process, view informational materials, and request to testify at committee meetings.
To share feedback on an issue, you can email me at Robin.Webb@LRC.KY.GOV. You can also leave a message for me on the Legislative Message Line at (800) 372-7181. Citizens with hearing impairments can use the Kentucky Relay Service at 711.
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