By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced his support of the reclassification of marijuana on the federal level.
Beshear said he has sent a letter of support to the head of the Drug Enforcement Agency Anne Milgram regarding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III one thereby easing restrictions and punishment for its possession.
Currently possession of a Schedule I substance is a Class D felony and could result in financial penalties between $1,000-$10,000 and a prison sentence up to three years whereas Schedule III possession is a Class A misdemeanor and carries a potential of a year in jail and a $500 fine.
Kentucky Revised Statute 218A defines Schedule I drugs as those with a “high potential for abuse and has no acceptable medical use in treatment in the United States.” Some Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, methaqualone, and peyote.
According to the same statute Schedule III substance are those “substance[s that] has a potential for abuse less than the substances listed in Schedules I and II, has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and [whose] abuse…may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.” Tylenol, ketamine and testosterone are all classified as Schedule III narcotics.
“As Governor, my job is to move our state forward,” Gov. Beshear said. “Rescheduling marijuana to Schedule III is a significant, common-sense step forward for all Kentuckians, especially those with significant medical conditions.”
This show of support comes after the passage of Kentucky Senate Bill 47 that has many local governments across the commonwealth are voting to opt in or out of allowing medicinal marijuana growers, manufacturers or dispensaries to operate with their municipalities. Locally, Glasgow, Cave City and Barren County governments have all opted in while Park City has opted out.
Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is scheduled to begin on January 1.
Comments