FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT/CBS NEWSPATH/WKRC) – A Kentucky lawmaker has introduced legislation that would allow voters to decide whether to legalize recreational cannabis.

State Rep. Nima Kulkarni filed House Bill 199 on Wednesday. The measure would place the question of legalizing recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older on the ballot.

If approved by voters, the proposal would allow individuals to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis and grow up to five plants for personal use.

Kulkarni, a Democrat, has introduced similar legislation in previous sessions. She said public attitudes have shifted and that state law should reflect those changes.

“You can’t forget the inherent fairness and the injustice people in the past have suffered because of the prohibitive nature of these laws,” Kulkarni said.

Robert Matheny, owner of Kentucky CBD Farmacy, said he has operated his cannabis business since 2018 and worked with Kulkarni on the bill. He said current policies have favored large, out-of-state companies at the expense of Kentuckians and small businesses.

“The current state of cannabis in Kentucky is nothing more than corrupt,” Matheny said.

A Kentucky lawmaker has introduced legislation that would allow voters to decide whether to legalize recreational cannabis. State Rep. Nima Kulkarni filed House Bill 199 on Wednesday. The measure would place the question of legalizing recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older on the ballot. (WKYT/CBS NEWSPATH)

Matheny said the legislation is aimed at giving voters a direct voice on cannabis policy.

“We’re not going for the representatives, we’re going for the people,” he said. “Kentuckians do have a right to vote on cannabis decriminalization.”

In a statement to WKYT, a spokesperson for Kentucky Republicans said the party has taken a “responsible approach” to cannabis by supporting medical marijuana.

“Democrat lawmakers pushing a decriminalization bill are doing little more than grandstanding for legislation they know is dead on arrival,” the spokesperson said.

Kulkarni and Matheny said they plan to continue advocating for the bill despite opposition.