LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Editor's note: The above video is when President Joe Biden pardoned American's federally convicted with simple marijuana charges.
A new bill filed in the Kentucky legislature aims to decriminalize possession of marijuana.
The bill, sponsored by Louisville representative Nima Kulkarni, would exempt Kentuckians from being prosecuted for having up to one ounce of marijuana.
She filed similar legislation last year.
Supporters said it's long last time for this to happen.
"I know a couple of people who haven't necessarily been arrested for it, but it'll just show up on their record," supporter Kevin Torres said. "And then wherever they go to get a job or do certain things, you know, it'll stop them from doing that, you know, and I feel like it's such a small thing, that it shouldn't really hold you back in life."
But the bill has a long road ahead of it to pass.
Republican leaders have previously voiced their opposition against legalizing marijuana for personal use, even with the legalization of medical marijuana.
Senator Damon Thayer touched on that when he voted yes for medical marijuana last session.
RELATED: Biden is pardoning thousands convicted of marijuana charges on federal lands and in Washington
"I grew up in the 1980s during a very strong anti-drug culture," Thayer said. "If you're looking for me to help get the camels nose under the tent, so you can smoke your pot legally in Kentucky. I'm not your guy."
Back in 2019, the Jefferson County Attorney's office stopped prosecuting marijuana possession for an ounce or less.
At the time, Mike O'Connell said not prosecuting this offense would free up his office to prosecute more serious and potentially deadly crimes.
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