Kentucky Lawmaker Pushing To Remove Criminal Penalties For Small Marijuana Possession, Use

Two bills were pre-filed on Monday ahead of the upcoming legislative session.

Shutterstock photo.

(Louisville, Ky.) – A Kentucky lawmaker has pre-filed two bills that would remove criminal penalties for possessing and using small amounts of marijuana.

State Rep. Nima Kulkarni (Louisville) pre-filled the legislation on Monday.

The first bill would allow Kentuckians 21 or older possess, use, buy or sell up to one ounce of cannabis without criminal penalty. The legislation would also allow those of age to own up to five plants for personal use.

Kulkarni says the General Assembly would control the regulation how cannabis is grown, taxed, and sold.

Her second bill would take away criminal penalties for possessing, cultivating, or selling small amounts of cannabis, while maintaining penalties for possessing larger amounts.

Kulkarni says her bills “complement each other and would remove current statutes that have needlessly and tragically ruined many lives, especially people of color who have suffered because of unequal enforcement.”

If approved by three-fifths of the House and Senate during the upcoming legislative session, Kulkarni’s constitutional amendment would go before voters next November.

More from Local News

Events

Batesville, Milan Football Teams Partner with RCCF to "Turnover Hunger"

Funds raised from the program were distributed to Ripley County Elementary Schools this month.

Dearborn Co. Chamber Human Resources Roundtables Postponed to Feb. 3

The event was previously scheduled to take place this week.

Indiana Senate Passes Comprehensive Reform Package

SB 1 aims to protect taxpayers, end waste, fraud, and abuse in Indiana’s Medicaid and SNAP programs.

IHSAA Unveils Girls Basketball Sectional Pairings

The state tournament starts on February 3.

Local Sports Report - January 23-24, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

SEI Football Stars Earn Academic All-State Honors

Congratulations to all the honorees!

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Rascal Flatts - Here

Luke Bryan Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset 16:42
Confederate Railroad Queen Of Memphis 16:39
Ashley McBryde Martha Devine 16:35
Forester Sisters Mama's Never Seen Those Eyes 16:33