Kentucky poised to permit medical marijuana

Both chambers of the Kentucky legislature on Thursday introduced bills to legalize the cultivation and use of medical marijuana.

In addition to creating provisions for a medical marijuana card and access, identical bills S.B 186 and H.B. 521 “forbid an employer from discriminating against applicants or employees who use cannabis outside of working hours as long as the use does not affect job performance,” according to summaries of both proposals.

Neither bill provides guidance on reimbursement by insurers or conditions permitting the use of medical cannabis, as has been stipulated in other states.

If the measure is enacted Kentucky would become the 38th state to permit medical marijuana.  Both bills were sent to committees.