A Democratic lawmaker in Kentucky on Monday took the first legislative steps toward legalizing cannabis in the Bluegrass State.
State Rep. Nima Kulkarni, who represents Louisville, prefiled a pair of bills that would upend the way cannabis consumers are treated there.
The first bill would “would amend the state’s constitution, permitting Kentuckians 21 and older to possess, use, buy or sell up to one ounce of cannabis without criminal penalty. Kentuckians would also be allowed to have up to five plants for personal use,” local television station LEX 18 reported.
The other would “would have the legislature eliminate criminal penalties for possessing, cultivating, and/or selling small amounts of cannabis,” the station explained, and “would also remove cannabis accessories from the state’s drug-paraphernalia statutes.”
“I am sponsoring these bills for several reasons, any one of which should be enough for them to become law,” Kulkarni said in a statement that was reported on by local TV station WLKY. “First, current cannabis statutes have needlessly and tragically ruined many lives, especially people of color who have suffered because of unequal enforcement. Second, thousands of citizens, from cancer patients to veterans suffering from PTSD, should have the right to use something that gives them the mental and physical relief they deserve without relying on stronger, potentially addictive medicine. Third, cannabis de-criminalization would give the state a much-needed source of reliable revenue without raising current taxes a single cent. And, finally, polls have repeatedly shown a majority of Kentuckians backs de-criminalization and allowing cannabis to be used responsibly by adults.”
LEX 18 reported that Kulkarni’s proposed constitutional amendment legalizing cannabis “would need to be approved by three-fifths of the House and Senate during the upcoming 2022 legislative session, before going in front of voters next November.”
The state’s legislative session is scheduled to begin in January.
A poll last year found that 59 percent of Kentuckians are in favor of legalizing cannabis—a whopping 20-point spike in merely seven years.
But that doesn’t mean that Kulkarni’s two bills are a sure-thing, particularly given the general assembly’s recent history.
The state’s House of Representatives passed a bill in February 2020 legalizing medical cannabis treatment, but the legislation fizzled out after the COVID-19 pandemic brought business to a standstill.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, urged lawmakers late last year to renew their efforts to get the bill over the line. As a gubernatorial candidate in 2019, Beshear had spoken out against harsh penalties, including prison time, for cannabis consumers.
Kulkarni’s moves on Monday harken back to former Democratic Kentucky Rep. Cluster Howard, who in 2019 also prefiled a bill that would have legalized marijuana use for adults aged 21 and older and decriminalized marijuana possession of less than an ounce. Howard’s bill also would have created a regulated market for the sale of cannabis.
“Other states have shown that legalizing cannabis for adult use is a win-win situation for everyone involved,” Howard said at the time. “It’s a major revenue generator. It frees up critical jail and prison space. It helps counteract the deadly opioid epidemic. And it gives farmers a major new cash crop. The longer we wait, the more we miss out on these benefits.”
There were more than 20,000 arrests for possession and sale of cannabis in Kentucky between 2014 and 2016.
The ACLU said last year that Black Kentuckians “are 9.4 times more likely than white Kentuckians to be arrested for marijuana possession, despite both groups having similar national marijuana use rates,” a rate that “is second only to Montana, where Black people are 9.6 times more likely to be arrested than white people.”
As a community, we’re way past the days of smoking out of cheap, poorly designed products that typically don’t last long. Acknowledge your worth and splurge on a luxurious gift that truly represents who you are. Embrace the lifestyle of sophisticated smoking.
As sophisticated smokers, it’s our responsibility to elevate the stigma surrounding cannabis. As motivated, professionally-minded individuals—it’s time to reflect that value. Part of that begins when we improve our smoking accessory selections for our next sesh.
High Times narrowed down some of the finest gifts for our upscale gift guide—suitable for sophisticated smokers.
Session Goods designer line of modern smoking accessories are the perfect gift for the cannabis enthusiast in your life—including yourself. Whether your favorite stoner is into sleek glass bongs, discrete, portable pipes, or classy, compact One Hitters there’s really something for everyone.
Session Goods Bongs are a thoughtful and simple gift for the cannabis lover in your life. Their design is award-winning, high quality, and customizable for just about every cannabis smokers’ style or taste.
Session Goods Pipes are stylish, compact, and perfect for those on the go. Each pipe comes with a silicone sleeve (in seven interchangeable colors) to protect your glass and bag while you’re out and about. Anyone that’s suffered from a broken pipe or ash in their bag knows that this gift idea is ingenious.
Session Goods One Hitters are classy and discrete. A One Hitter is the perfect little piece for that solo session or mini toke in between meals and watching holiday movies. This clever little thing can be packed with your favorite flower, hold a pre-rolled joint or used with the Session Bong—it’s an ideal stocking stuffer. Light up your tree this year with any one of Session’s designer smoking accessories.
Check out Session’s site for special discounts and customizable holiday bundles as the holidays get closer.
As this industry continues to elevate the game, it’s time for you to also step into your highest self. HELMET HEAD Smell Proof Bags will upgrade the way you store your stash. You’ll no longer have to worry about finding secret hiding spots, or use a tin box/shoebox to store your goodies. HELMET HEAD Smell Proof Bags come as advertised: store your favorite and most gassy strains in the bags with confidence that it will fully absorb all smells and keep your surroundings odor-free. These products give you the privacy protection you need at home, in your car and while traveling.
When it comes to quality and value, HELMET HEAD’s offerings stand above the competition. Here are some of the benefits:
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Weatherproof: Having fresh herbs are an essential. The water repellent outer shells not only keeps your herbs dry, it will also protect your tech and accessories.
If you are in the market for smell proof bags, look no further. HELMET HEAD Bags are large enough for everyday use and durable enough to bring anywhere. Save yourself from those awkward looks in public and those uncomfortable comments of “what’s that smell?” Stay low-key by keeping odors under control.
Photo Courtesy of Lowell Advertising Product Photography
Born from countless hours of refining the art of the roll, Lowell Herb Co. is proud to share this limited release of pure, hand-rolled perfection. Made of 100 percent cannabis, the Hash Wrap contains no paper and no additives—the wrap itself is made out of fresh-pressed ice water bubble hash. Each Hash Wrap is hand-rolled by their experts and contains a glass tip for a clean, smooth draw every time. Every Hash Wrap contains a high THC percentage from 1G of hash fused and packed with 0.8g of flower. A limited release, stock up on these while you can!
The Brigata – Omerta Smell Proof Padded Duffle with Lock
Photo Courtesy of Dime Bags
The best gift for smoker-friendly glass protection is Dime Bags Omerta Brigata, a completely smell proof padded duffle that includes a three-digit combo lock. Available in three sizes (10”, 15”, & 17”), this carbon lined duffle hugs pipes, bongs, rigs and hookah with 360° protection and boasts a super soft and luxurious shed-proof velour interior with convenient padded pockets.
Regardless of residual bong water smells or stowing away a favorite strain in the secret pocket, this bag will keep that dank smell confined to the padded bag with no worries. Priceless pieces will be kept extra secure thanks to the zipper lock (with customizable code) to keep prying eyes out. The Brigata currently comes in three discreet bag colors: black, camo and green.
Customizing any Dime Bag with some personal flair is easy—add some art to the smell proof bag by switching out the Omerta Logo label with one of Dime Bags 100+ removable velcro patches.
No matter what style smoker, a Dime Bags Omerta Brigata is the perfect discreet, smell proof and lockable gift.
The Companion Collection, also known as “The Stoner Stocking Stuffer of the Year” is something you’re not going to want to miss. You’re a sophisticated smoker, so you already know all about terpenes, right? The Happiest Hour creates terpene-infused bevs with a higher purpose—to craft your cannabis experience! Whether you want to Intensify your high, Wake up, Calm down, Mend, or Sleep—enjoy before you partake to bring your flower to new heights.
Price: $20 – Use promo code HIGHTIMES to get $5 off your order
The cannabis being produced these days is immaculate. It’s beautiful, potent, and delicious, and anyone who considers themselves a purist truly values and savors the flavor of their buds. Enter the Pearl by Taste The Flower—this unique smoking piece was created to highlight the natural flavors of cannabis, for those who want to preserve the taste and integrity of high-quality flower. The pearl is an easy-to-clean, compact device made to deliver a smoke with untainted flavor and killer style. A sleek alternative to a traditional glass pipe, the body is made from organic vegetable ivory and topped with a smooth wooden mouthpiece. To use, simply open the top, pack with your favorite flower, light with the hemp wick and enjoy. The Pearl is handmade and vegan, fits in the palm of your hand, and is built to last—for the smokers who know the heartbreak of a shattered glass piece, the rugged strength of vegetable ivory means the Pearl will be a long-term addition to your smoking collection. It’s sexy, earthy and the perfect gift for your favorite smoker who appreciates the complexities of some perfect flower. The product can be purchased at www.tastetheflower.com.
Discover the new ritual of storing your 510 cartridges between uses with the TOQi 510 Cartridge Holder. This is the perfect accessory for the sophisticated smoker who likes to rotate their carts. Precision cut single aluminum blocks available in silver or gold, the TOQi Cartridge Holder holds up to six cartridges, blocking UV light from degrading the cannabis potency. Tuck the ergonomically designed holder away in a drawer or show those cartridges off. The TOQi Cartridge Holder keeps mouthpieces sanitary and pools oil and waxes at the bottom, where they’re meant to be, helping get every last drop. Just drop in to store and get ready for the next cartridge experience.
The perfect gift for every type of cannabis enthusiast on your list—from your puzzle-crazed friend with a penchant for fine art to the dispensary worker looking to up their knowledge.
HighArt 2022 Wall Calendar & Puzzle: A hilarious, cannabis-fueled parody of fine art available as both a 2022 Wall Calendar and a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle. High Art reimagines priceless masterpieces as if the artists and their subjects loved their weed (and who knows, maybe they did!).
A Woman’s Guide to Cannabis: A handbook to demystifying the world of weed, whether it’s being used for pain relief, a moment of calm, or a fit of giggles, written specifically for women looking to enhance their knowledge.
Gastro Obscura: Created by the ever-curious minds behind Atlas Obscura, this breathtaking guide transforms our sense of what people around the world eat and drink.
Got muscle pain from shoveling the snowy driveway, working out or a chronic condition? CBD Living Freeze is here to help. This best-selling cold therapy product infuses Broad Spectrum Nano CBD with menthol to soothe inflamed or painful muscles. CBD Living’s Proprietary Skin Retention Technology allows the CBD molecules to better penetrate the layers of the skin, and stay on the skin longer, for lasting relief.
CBD Living Freeze is available in both roll-on and airless pump styles, and in 300 mg, 750 mg, 1500 mg and 4500 mg strengths to tackle even the toughest pain.
This exclusive design was created by Sophie Lou Jacobsen for Tetra, the Smoking Accessories brand created and curated by the founder of Sight Unseen. The Valet is available exclusively from Tetra. The Valet provides a dedicated place to keep your vape products when not in use. At an angle that’s optimal for oil cartridge storage, the Valet can also be used to hold your phone, keep your iPad hands-free or as a beautiful place to display a book.
Get your Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits for practicing attorneys during this event! Join Harris Bricken attorney, Vince Sliwoski as he provides forecasts for state cannabis programs. Registration is open to non-lawyers, as well.
California legalized commercial cannabis activity in 2016, and licensing began in January 2018. Now, the Department of Cannabis Control is completely in charge of the democratic experiment in the Golden State. Join Harris Bricken attorney, Hilary Bricken as she covers the overall commercial cannabis licensing, regulatory, transactional issues, and trends in California, and will include an update on the status of banking and providing financial services to cannabis businesses and cannabis ancillary businesses under federal and state laws.
Come join Harris Bricken attorney, Mason Marks for the launch of Chacruna’s Guide to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and Best Practices for Psychedelic Plant Medicine Churches with experienced attorneys, religious leaders, researchers and activists. This Guide teaches churches using psychedelic plant medicines as sacrament how to understand protections offered under the RFRA.
Since 2010, Harris Bricken has advised cannabis businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs on all aspects of cannabis business mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in many states and even internationally. These transactions range from relatively simple license transfers to complex stock purchase agreements tied into ancillary agreements involving everything from personal services to real property. Join Harris Bricken attorneys Vince Sliwoski, Griffen Thorne, Nathalie Bougenies, and Hilary Bricken as they field questions on all aspects of buying and selling cannabis businesses during this FREE webinar.
This program will provide an overview of emerging drug therapies, including psilocybin, ketamine infusion clinics, MDMA and other psychedelic substances. Our panel of experts will address the results of recent elections and other developments related to psychedelic drugs and new drug therapies. We will look at the process and results for Measure 109 (psilocybin licensing) and Measure 110 (controlled substance decriminalization) in Oregon, as well as future efforts to decriminalize, protect and regulate psychedelic drug use. Join Harris Bricken attorneys, Vince Sliwoski and Griffen Thorne as they present a federal law overview of psychedelics during this event.
On April 30th, 2021, New York legalized recreational cannabis, effectively starting a new multibillion-dollar industry accessible to thousands of potentially interested parties. The time for cannabusiness development is now! Join Harris Bricken attorneys, Nathalie Bougenies and Simon Malinowski as they present during this event in New York.
Head of Programming at the Adam Smith Institute, Daniel Pryor, wrote the foreword for the report, stating that the UK is poised to become highly successful if it embraces the plant.
“The European market for medical cannabis is the fastest growing in the world, and our unique position gives us the prospect of becoming a leading player in medical cannabis and CBD,” said Pryor.
“This paper provides a fascinating overview of the state of play in these markets, opportunities for growth and the regulatory questions that face the sector. It shows how the UK is in a prime position to become the centre of the European medical cannabis and CBD industry, as well as the significant economic benefits that would result.”
Volteface’s report estimates that the UK medical cannabis market could be worth up to £1.2 billion. With this much potential, it predicts that a full-fledged medical cannabis industry could create up to 41,437 jobs, and 17,000 ancillary jobs.
The report also includes a list of seven recommendations for the UK to embrace, including:
A “cannabis tsar” or governmental agency to help drive the UK toward medical cannabis legalization and regulation.
Clarity from the Food Standards Association in regards to the legal amount of THC allowed in CBD products.
An investment in innovation for growth in the cannabis industry, as well as communication with the National Farmers Union “to represent producer interest.”
Following up with a previous recommendation from Volteface, allowing hemp seeds/plants over 0.2 percent THC and up to one percent, which would “improve the health of the plant and increase the yield of CBD per acre.”
Pursuing legislative changes to speed up the flow of products, which would simplify the process and improve patient access.
Changing legislation that requires medical cannabis prescriptions to be made by doctors via the specialist register.
Conduct a government funded national trial on medical cannabis products to “fully unlock the UK market.”
The entirety of the report is separated into four sections. First, “The Economic Opportunity,” recommending that the UK become an “investment hub” with some of the largest cannabis companies in the world, such as Aphria Inc, Aurora and Canopy Growth. The report identifies the top 20 markets (both European countries and U.S. states). “This UK market estimate demonstrates the immense economic opportunity the cannabis sector holds.
By developing the UK into a European cannabis industry leader, this will hold a significant amount of capital, in the realms of £1.265 billion,” the report states. As mentioned previously, it also dives into the job-related data of many states in the U.S. and how cannabis contributes to the local economy as well.
Second, “The Innovation Opportunity” opens up the conversation about the potential growth, using case studies conducted on Kanabo, an Israel-based R&D company that created what the report calls “groundbreaking,” and CiiTECH, a CBD company focused on cannabinoid research which seeks to “legitimize CBD as a health product.”
Together, the report hopes that these case studies showcase the benefits of innovation, and argues that only through innovation can the cannabis industry push past decades of prohibition into a new and prosperous era.
Third, “The UK CBD Advantage” addresses a “novel food,” which is a European law that defines a product that does not have history prior to May 1997 as a way to monitor newer developed “foods” for consumer safety. With cannabis in mind, the report addresses the challenges of compliance enforcement.
Finally, “Increasing European Competition” covers the current industries in Denmark and France, ending with a call to action for the UK to remove its barriers to medical cannabis access and begin looking toward the future.
“The UK industry is taking off with a quickly changing landscape. Though things are looking good, there is more work to be done. If the UK wants to continue developing into a key industry leader, it must look into a controlled framework for medical cannabis access. Access must be expanded to get medical cannabis properly off its feet and see long term development.”
Many more details are available to review in Volteface’s report, which is viewable here.
