Campbell County's Representative Rachel Roberts (KY-District 67) says that the legislation would open up new tax revenues, lead to the expungement of criminal records for potentially thousands of citizens convicted of weed-related misdemeanors, and will also open the door for those who suffer from chronic medical conditions to use the plant as an aid.
“Fifteen states, including neighboring Illinois, have legalized cannabis and are reaping its considerable benefits,” said Rep. Roberts of Newport. “Kentucky has been desperate for new revenue for years to deal with rising costs in education, public employee pensions and healthcare. It is time to take advantage of the revenue from this growing market and stop the illegal trafficking of marijuana. By doing this, we could see as much as $100 million annually in new tax revenue, money that could make a real and lasting difference. Many Kentuckians would also be helped by having their criminal record expunged, while farmers would have a new crop rivaling what tobacco was for many decades.”

The bill would dedicate up to 25% of the state’s cannabis revenue going toward funding addiction treatment, to reduce the Commonwealth’s opioid epidemic

Remaining funds would be placed into the General Fund to allow for flexibility in spending as needs change with time. Money would also be dedicated to help establish the agricultural and regulatory frameworks needed to make legalization a success. A permanent legislative committee would provide oversight.

Her bill would also decriminalize possession of less than one ounce of cannabis and provide free expungements for those convicted of a marijuana-related misdemeanors.

On the regulatory side, the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board would oversee four types of licensing – cultivator, processor, tester, and retailer – and each license would require an annual renewal

Home growers would pay $250 for a permit, which would allow them to have up to five mature plants and five immature ones. All other licensees would have to pay fees based in part on their size.
Roberts points to Illinois as an example of the real-world benefit Kentucky could experience.

“Since sales began there a little over a year ago, the state has already brought in more than $150 million in tax revenue,” she said.

Only those who are aged 21 or older would be able to purchase recreational marijuana under this legislation. Smoking marijuana in public would also be prohibited.

The proposal, called "House Bill 467", will be considered during the remainder of the General Assembly’s 2021 legislative session, which ends late next month, according to a release from Roberts' office.