FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kentucky NORML Unveils Legislative Priorities for Upcoming Session and Launches Weekly Live Streams
Bowling Green, Kentucky – January 9, 2025 — Kentucky NORML is proud to announce its legislative priorities for the upcoming session, focusing on advancing cannabis reform in the Commonwealth. With the 2024 legislative session just around the corner, we are doubling down on efforts to ensure Kentucky residents have a voice in shaping policies that promote justice, compassion, and economic opportunity.
Our Legislative Priorities
For this legislative session, Kentucky NORML is advocating for:
Decriminalization of Personal Cannabis Use: Introducing legislation to eliminate criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of cannabis, moving toward a system of civil fines instead of criminal charges.
Expanding the Medical Cannabis Program: Pushing for more qualifying conditions, additional business licenses, and the creation of a cannabis transportation license to streamline the supply chain and ensure home delivery for patients.
Pardons and Expungements for Misdemeanor Cannabis Charges: Urging the governor to issue pardons for individuals with minor cannabis possession offenses, mirroring federal efforts by President Biden.
Protecting the Hemp-Derived Market: Advocating for a fair regulatory framework to prevent overreach while supporting Kentucky’s hemp industry and small businesses.
Weekly Live Streams: Stay Informed
To keep our supporters engaged and informed, Kentucky NORML will host weekly live streams every Friday on our social media channels during the legislative session. These live streams will provide:
Updates on the status of cannabis-related bills.
Educational insights on the legislative process.
Opportunities for viewers to ask questions and get involved in advocacy efforts.
Join us live on our social media platforms every Friday during session to stay up-to-date and make your voice heard.
Announcing the 2025 Kentucky Cannabis Conference
We are also excited to announce the 2nd Annual 2025 Kentucky Cannabis Conference, which will bring together experts, industry leaders, policymakers, advocates, and community members to discuss the future of cannabis in the Bluegrass State. Tickets are now available for this landmark event at https://www.kynorml.org/events/2025kycannacon. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative conversation.
Last year’s conference hosted over 20 advanced track educational presentations and exhibited in 14 categories, and drew attendees from over 23 states.
Kentucky NORML Expands National Advocacy Presence
Kentucky NORML is proud to announce its recent membership in the Hemp Beverage Alliance and the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). These memberships represent an important step in amplifying Kentucky NORML’s voice on both state and national levels.
Executive Director Matthew Bratcher will represent Kentucky NORML on the Government Affairs Committee of the Hemp Beverage Alliance and the State Regulations Committee of the NCIA. These leadership roles will ensure that Kentucky NORML remains at the forefront of shaping policies that impact the cannabis and hemp industries.
Additionally, Deputy Director Lauren Bratcher has been nominated to the Board of Directors for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). This national recognition highlights the outstanding work being done by Kentucky NORML and underscores our commitment to driving meaningful reform.
About Kentucky NORML
Kentucky NORML is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the prohibition of marijuana and ensuring responsible cannabis policies in the Commonwealth. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, we strive to create a just and equitable future for all Kentuckians.
Media Contact:
Matthew Bratcher
Executive Director, Kentucky NORML
(502) 888-1522
matthew@kynorml.org
