Thor Benson / Cannabis News Box Contributor

Kentucky is one of those straggling states that has yet to approve medical or social use cannabis. However, the medical part may soon change. Kentucky is currently debating a bill that would legalize medical cannabis, and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) recently voiced support for it.

“I believe decisions on how to regulate cannabis should be left to state governments,” Paul said in the statement. “I will continue to work to make sure the federal government respects federalism and does not interfere with such state decisions… I support passage of House Bill 166. I believe patients suffering from medical illness should have the right to try medical cannabis.”

Paul supporting this bill isn’t entirely surprising, as he’s a well known libertarian, and they tend to favor legalization. That said, Paul is not speaking out in favor of Kentucky fully legalizing cannabis.

Matthew Bratcher, executive director at Kentucky NORML, said Paul is pushing for legalization at the national level but has not pushed hard for Kentucky itself to legalize social use cannabis. Paul is a co-sponsor of Sen. Cory Booker’s (D-NJ) bill that would legalize cannabis at the federal level. Bratcher said he’d like to see Paul push Republicans in Kentucky toward legalization. That said, the fight for legalization in the state does appear to be getting a little easier.

“It’s been an uphill battle, fighting against 80 years of propaganda,” Bratcher said. “However, there’s been great steps taken in changing the minds of many lawmakers who started out this session in opposition to our efforts. I’m hopeful we can get a vote on a medical cannabis bill this session. There are so many advocacy groups doing great work across the Commonwealth, and together I know we will make a difference.”

Bratcher said some Kentucky lawmakers are starting to support legalization of social use cannabis because the state is facing serious economic issues. Bratcher said lawmakers have noticed how legalizing cannabis can produce large tax revenues for a state.

“We have a massive crisis for our state pension fund and budget,” he said. “Somewhere along the line of 30 billion total shortfall. Many communities, legislators, teachers, and veterans see adult use cannabis as a way to spur on economic growth and create jobs, plug the holes in our budget, fund our pensions system, and have access to an alternative medicine to opioid and other pharmaceuticals.”

He said he’s seen “Big Pharma” lobbyists pushing against legalization in Kentucky, but he’s hoping they will be defeated.