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

Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg, Batesville Contributes $42.2 Million to Region

New report shows the immense impact of the college’s students, alumni and operations.

South Ripley to Celebrate Ribbon Cutting, Dedication at Newly Renovated Forest G. Waters Field

The renovation project was made possible through the generous support of numerous partners and sponsors.

Local Sports Report - April 6, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - April 2-4, 2026

Plenty of scores and stats from Easter Weekend.

Local Sports Report - April 1, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Alabama Why Lady Why 3:17
Ashley McBryde Light On In The Kitchen - EAGLE ONLY NO INTRO 3:12
Kane Brown Miles On It 3:09
Miranda Lambert The House That Built Me 3:05