A reader sent me an update in the email of a story we covered several weeks ago, concerning an attempt in the Kentucky Legislature to reduce penalties on “lesser” drug offenses. We are glad to report that the bill – HB 463 – has passed and been signed by the governor.

Under the new law, marijuana possession is no longer an arrestable offense.

As reported in the blog, ‘Marion County Line’, “Possession of marijuana will remain a misdemeanor but police will no longer arrest people for misdemeanors unless they also have a weapon, are physically threatening, driving drunk, or having sex.”

Great news for those in Kentucky – which includes your humble blogger. States across the country are beginning to see how wasteful and useless marijuana possession arrests are. Progress is a good thing, no matter what state it happens in. But this kind of progress in a “Red State” like Kentucky is especially heartening to those who feel progress may never reach them.

- Joe Klare