LOUISVILLE, Ky.—On Tuesday, Kentucky’s Senate Committee approved the medical marijuana bill, SB47, which will now move to the senate floor for a vote. This bill would legalize marijuana for medical use in the state, making it the 38th state to do so. The vote was 6-4 in favor of the bill, with Senator Stephen West among those who voted in favor.

Senator West, who serves as the bill’s primary sponsor, spoke out about the importance of passing SB47, saying “I’m very pleased that we were able to get this bill through committee, and I’m looking forward to continuing the conversation on the senate floor. This is an issue that impacts so many Kentuckians, and we owe it to them to give them access to the medicine they need.”

Opponents of the bill have raised concerns about the potential for abuse and the impact on public safety. However, supporters argue that the benefits for those with chronic or terminal illness, as well as the financial benefits for the state, far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

According to a recent report from the Kentucky Institute for Economic Policy, legalizing medical marijuana could generate up to $100 million in tax revenue for the state. This revenue could be used to fund important programs and services, such as healthcare and education.

The implications for the elderly and those with chronic or terminal illness cannot be overstated. Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. For many Kentuckians, access to medical marijuana could mean the difference between debilitating pain and a higher quality of life.

The next step for SB47 is a vote on the senate floor. If the bill passes, it will then move on to the House of Representatives for consideration. With the growing trend of states legalizing marijuana for medical use, it’s certainly possible that Kentucky might follow suit.