Republican KY gubernatorial candidate Ryan Quarles endorses legalizing medical marijuana [Video]

Republican Ryan Quarles on Tuesday endorsed legalizing medical marijuana in Kentucky, pledging to navigate the proposal past legislative resistance if he’s elected governor.

“It’s time for Kentucky to pass a responsible medical marijuana piece of legislation to help benefit patients across Kentucky,” Quarles said at a news conference outside the state Capitol.

Quarles’ stand on the long-running medical marijuana issue comes as Republican candidates are trying to separate themselves from a crowded field in the GOP primary for governor.

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Quarles, in his second term as state agriculture commissioner, is among a dozen candidates vying for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in the May primary. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear is seeking reelection in the Republican-trending Bluegrass State.

Medical cannabis legalization proposals have routinely died in Kentucky’s Republican-led legislature. The House has shown its support in the past to legalize and strictly regulate the use of cannabis for a list of …