A Kentucky Senator is unveiling legislation Thursday that would make medical marijuana legal in the Bluegrass State. Louisville Democrat Perry Clark's bill would make marijuana a schedule two drug, meaning it would be recognized as having legitimate medical purposes, while still being somewhat restricted.
Supporters of medical marijuana say smoking the drug can help alleviate pain related to glaucoma and gastrointestinal illness, while also stimulating hunger in chemotherapy and AIDS patients.
WKU Public Radio asked Clark what chance he thought the bill had of passing next year.
"It's time to start this conversation," said Clark. "You asked what chance does it have...the chances are that if the people get behind it and there's a groundswell of support, then it could happen. Because it's happened elsewhere through that same method."
Opponents of medical marijuana say it's nearly impossible to keep those who want to use the drug recreationally from exploiting laws intended to help the sick.
