PUBLIC POLICY ARGUMENTS FOR ENACTING KENTUCKY’S CANNABIS FREEDOM ACT

Note Written By: Amanda Goff Connors

This Note asserts that legalizing recreational marijuana would have positive impacts on the state of Kentucky in terms of its criminal justice system, state tax revenue, and on Kentuckians as a whole. The first part of this Note examines the history of cannabis in the U.S., including the most recent developments in marijuana law. Nearly half of the states have legalized some form of medical marijuana, and legal recreational marijuana is gaining public favor. Next, this Note considers current public policy issues associated with marijuana, including the burden on the criminal justice system, marijuana “criminals,” and potential tax benefits, demonstrating that Kentucky, as a whole, would be better off if the state legalized marijuana. Finally, this Note will dissect arguments against legalizing marijuana, including concerns with traffic accidents, underage accessibility, and overdosing on edible marijuana. In conclusion, this note recommends Kentucky enact the Cannabis Freedom Act or a similar regulatory scheme for marijuana because the benefits of legalization outweigh the costs.

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