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Inez approves cannabis, weighs ARPA spending and flashy marquee plans
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The City of Inez gave the green light to medical cannabis operations within city limits Thursday, approving the measure with no discussion. Commissioners then focused on the city’s $27,093 remaining ARPA funds and their hope for a flashing marquee sign. First up: a plan to spend $2,589 on…
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Deputies burn illegal pot plants
Martin County Sheriff’s deputies get ready to incinerate illegal marijuana plants found last week on vacant property within the county. Deputies Justin Bellamy (left) and Special Deputy Cecil Diamond (right) seized over a dozen flowering plants from an unknown grower. (Citizen photo by Roger Smith)
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Warfield greenlights medical cannabis
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — The Warfield City Commission has signaled its intent to allow medical cannabis operations within city limits, moving forward with the first reading of a new ordinance Thursday. The ordinance cites the benefits to residents as a key reason for permitting licensed medical cannabis cultivators, dispensaries, processors, producers and…
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Martin County School District bans medical cannabis on school property
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education has decided to prohibit the use of medical marijuana by students on school property. The decision was made in a BOE meeting July 8 during the second reading of the Kentucky School Board Association (KSBA) Policy and Procedure updates. Superintendent Larry James…
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Kentucky Medical Cannabis program expedites access
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program is fast-tracking access to medical cannabis for Kentuckians with qualifying conditions. The application process opened Monday for prospective medical cannabis businesses, six months ahead of schedule, announced Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday. The program has provided resources, including YouTube webinars and a Business Licensing Application…
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Potted pot plants seized in Lovely
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOVELY — The Martin County Sheriff’s Office seized potted marijuana plants Friday afternoon at a residence in Lovely, authorities said. Sheriff John Kirk and Chief Deputy Chris Kidd responded to a tip about marijuana plants growing in plain sight on North Wolf Creek Road. Upon arrival, they discovered several cannabis…
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Lottery system will determine who gets 48 licenses for retailers and 10 for processors of medical cannabis in 11 Kentucky regions
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS Gov. Andy Beshear gave an update on the medical cannabis licensing program Thursday after signing this year’s medical cannabis bill into law the day before. “We have worked hard to create a safe system that limits or eliminates abuse while still providing relief to that veteran suffering from PTSD…
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Kentucky’s outdated stance on cannabis: It’s time for change
In recent years, the United States has seen a tide turn in the debate on cannabis legalization. A majority of states have recognized the numerous benefits of decriminalizing and legalizing the substance, from reducing the burden on the criminal justice system to generating significant tax revenues. Yet, Kentucky and 17 other states have opted to…
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‘Free the Weed’ for more than medical and recreational use
BY THOMAS L. KNAPP “Now That Weed is Mostly Legal,” reads the headline to a piece by Aryn Baker at Time, “Hemp Should Be Booming. But It’s Not.” Why? Contra Baker’s claim that hemp is “a close cousin of marijuana” and not as useful as advertised, it IS marijuana – the same plant – and…