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Quarles endorses medical marijuana, governor welcomes Republican to the 'Beshear administration push'

Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Quarles speaks to reporters outside the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. Quarles endorsed efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Kentucky. (AP Photo/Bruce Schreiner)
Bruce Schreiner/AP
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AP
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Quarles speaks to reporters outside the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. Quarles endorsed efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Kentucky. (AP Photo/Bruce Schreiner)

Kentucky Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Quarles announced his support for legalizing medical marijuana Tuesday. WUKY has more on what the agriculture commissioner says is different about his push for the reforms.

The movement to legalize medical marijuana in Kentucky has been gaining support and hitting roadblocks for years, but Quarles says he's the candidate who can get it done — by working with the Republican-dominated legislature.

"I will work with the Kentucky General Assembly to get this passed within the first year in office," the GOP candidate said. "Andy Beshear and his executive orders have muddied the waters on this issue. I've talked to health care providers, patients. His executive orders, by bypassing the General Assembly, have caused confusion."

Asked about that charge, Gov. Andy Beshear offered both a tongue-in-cheek response and a defense of his executive orders, which he has said were necessary in light of multiple failed attempts to gain passage in the Senate.

"I want to welcome Commissioner Quarles to the Beshear administration push to finally get this thing legalized," he joked, adding on a more serious note, "Now somebody who is truly for this, for our people, to address their suffering, ought to also be for the executive order, which is finally providing relief."

Quarles said his priorities would be keeping big government out of what should be a conversation between a doctor and a patient, making sure medical cannabis isn't taxed, and ensuing Kentucky farmers also benefit from the reforms.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.