Whether dispensaries and farms can open shop depends on voters approving the measure this November.
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — Wednesday was the last day for exempt absentee voting in Hardin County. Ballot – Whether the county will allow medical marijuana businesses.
At least 67 other Kentucky counties and dozens of cities are considering the same issue.
The cities of Vine Grove and West Point are also considering measures within their own boundaries. Elizabethtown has already approved cannabis businesses within city limits.
“This is a medical service that could help some people,” said Chuck Spataro, who voted in favor of the bill. “I want to work with doctors to give those people the opportunity to take advantage of it.”
MAP: Where Kentucky’s 26 new medical marijuana growers and processors plan to operate
That’s one thing he and Jeff Markle agree on.
“Kentucky already says marijuana is OK. So why not? If you’re going to extract drugs, let’s do it in a smart way.” Voted yes. “Some people’s nervous systems can’t handle all these chemicals.”
In some cases, these medications may not work at all. So does Julie Cantwell, who is treating her son’s epilepsy with cannabis from legal states.
“I’m not going to miss the drive to Michigan. I’m happy to get here and support the state and local businesses,” she said.
She hasn’t voted yet, but will vote in favor of allowing marijuana businesses in the county.
“You don’t want to get in your car when you’re in severe pain, so having a pharmacy nearby would make life easier for many patients,” she added.
Ricky Lane Taber voted against it in both the county and the small but growing city of Vine Grove.
“It can lead to crime and it can lead to more difficult things. People are using harder drugs,” he believes.
Deborah Sims said she ultimately voted yes, although she has concerns about the number of businesses that could open.
“We don’t want empty stores to turn into ‘merry marts,'” she says.
Even though the Medical Marijuana Act goes into effect on January 1, 2025, some Kentuckians with certain medical conditions and marijuana prescriptions will still be able to possess marijuana, regardless of their county’s vote. It will be.
Early voting across the state begins Thursday and runs through Saturday, Nov. 2.
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