Currently, there are no Kentucky marijuana laws that allow for the recreational use of cannabis. However, it is important to know that even if these laws were to change, recreational users would still face a few restrictions.
Recreational Cannabis Is Not Legal In Kentucky
Despite the fact that recreational cannabis is legal in many states, including Virginia, Kentucky is still one of twelve states that outlaw marijuana for nonmedical use. In fact, the state’s voters are the only ones who could decide whether or not the state should decriminalize cannabis.
However, a recent poll by the Kentucky Health Issues Survey found that nine out of ten Kentuckians support the use of medical marijuana, a majority of which support full legalization. The poll also showed that two-thirds of Louisiana voters support the legalization of marijuana for recreational use.
In March, the Kentucky House passed a bill that would legalize the sale of marijuana. However, it stalled in the Senate. This was largely due to the lack of Republican support.
Earlier this year, Governor Andy Beshear announced that he was going to take executive action to allow the possession of small amounts of medical cannabis. He said that allowing medical cannabis in Kentucky would improve the quality of life of residents and help them deal with chronic pain. He said he was confident that his action will be upheld in court.
Beshear’s order, which went into effect Tuesday, defines 21 illnesses that qualify for medical marijuana. The list includes conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Hepatitis C, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and Parkinson’s disease are also listed.
Penalties For Selling Marijuana To Minors
Currently, penalties for selling marijuana to minors are quite strict. Depending on the amount of marijuana, penalties can range from a small fine to several years in jail.
The minimum penalty for selling marijuana to a minor is a misdemeanor, with the most severe being a first-degree felony. In this case, the defendant could face up to five years in prison.
A first degree felony requires a mandatory minimum of six months in jail. In addition, a court can order that a juvenile attend vocational education programs or participate in outpatient rehabilitation. In a pinch, this can mean missing school.
A second degree felony can carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. In addition, the law allows for a third-degree felony with a maximum sentence of two years. If the crime involves the sale of more than 30 mg of marijuana, the maximum penalties increase by several hundred thousand dollars.
The most expensive penalty for selling marijuana to a minor isn’t the jail time, but the fines. A first-degree misdemeanor can result in a fine of up to $1,000. A second-degree felony can carry a fine of up to $10,000. The best defense to this charge is to consult with an experienced marijuana defense attorney.
A third-degree felony is less expensive than the first-degree offense, with a fine of up to $25,000 and a maximum of one year in jail. The first-degree misdemeanor can involve a fine of up to $1,000 and a maximum of 30 days in jail.
Penalties For Growing Fewer Than 5 Plants
Those looking to grow marijuana in the bluegrass state will not be disappointed. Kentucky has some of the toughest marijuana laws in the country, and they have been around for quite some time. Getting caught growing or transporting cannabis will result in hefty fines and jail time.
One thing is for certain, the state’s law enforcement agencies are not going to be bending over backwards to make it legal to grow your own. Until that happens, you’ll have to settle for illegal marijuana. If you’re in the market for a legal marijuana business, you’ll want to hire an attorney who knows their stuff.
While it’s not legal to grow marijuana in the wild, it is legal to grow hemp, which is a type of cannabis with psychoactive cannabinoids that is suitable for many different purposes. Hemp is a very versatile crop, and it’s no surprise that Kentucky leads the nation in hemp production. In fact, in 1850, Kentucky harvested more than 40,000 tons of hemp, making it the largest hemp producer in the world.
A more realistic plan of attack would be to grow your own cannabis in your own home. While the state’s legalization hasn’t slowed down the burgeoning cannabis industry, it does present a lot of hurdles to overcome. In addition, you’ll need to prove that you’re legally entitled to the cannabis you’re cultivating.
