LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Jefferson County Board of Education Policy committee has approved regulations for how to handle medical marijuana for students in school buildings on Monday.
As an honorary member of Kentucky Moms for Medical Cannabis, Dee Dee Taylor hears how cannabis helps kids struggling with seizures.
"Medical cannabis has made a huge difference for so many kids and I get goosepimples about wanting to cry because I'm happy to be a part of it," she said. "It needs to be available for all the kids. Anyone that needs to use it, it needs to be available."
Taylor pushed for Kentucky's medical legalization and hoped the JCPS school board will let students keep their prescribed cannabis at school.
The state law legalizing medical cannabis in Kentucky allows school boards to decide whether or not they want the drug on their campuses or not. If they do allow it, they have to adopt the state's language and gives guardians two options.
Guardians can either let a nurse or school staff member supervise their student taking the medicine; or the guardians can come to the school and do it themselves.
Louisville Metro Council's Planning and Zoning Committee is also considering where medical cannabis businesses can be in the city. While the state bans dispensaries within 1,000 feet of a school or childcare facility, the committee is considering adding parks, community centers, religious buildings and athletic facilities to the list.
"The state's got enough," Councilman Dan Seum Jr. said of the regulations, but he's concerned the committee could push out the expanded ban too soon and wants more public comment on the topic.
However, the licensing period for the new businesses begins on July 1, and those won't be able to select locations until the regulations are decided.
"We need to hold off a little bit and catch our breath. We've got some of the strongest regulations right now in the original bill. I think we're good enough with them," Seum said. "We don't want to add any impedance to anyone who wants to be in the industry."
The first steps on both decisions begin this week, but need to pass out of committee before being finalized.
Metro Council's Planning and Zoning Committee meets at noon on Tuesday.
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