Is it time for medical cannabis in the Commonwealth?
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear seems to think so. And so do many Kentuckians.
Beshear released a summary of feedback obtained by his Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee, a group created to travel the state and listen to Kentuckians’ views on medical cannabis.
Rep. Rachel Roberts (D-Newport) introduced legislation in February that would have allowed for recreational and medicinal marijuana. Ultimately, the state legislature did not pass the legislation.
“Kentuckians agree that it is past time for the Commonwealth to take action on legalizing medical cannabis,” Beshear said.
The summary from the committee included these key findings, as presented by the governor’s office:
- Kentuckians of all ages are suffering from chronic conditions. Medical providers are prescribing opioids and painkillers that are not providing relief, and Kentuckians are fearful of their addictive properties. Research indicates individuals cannot overdose from cannabis.
- Kentuckians are leaving the state to access medical cannabis in states where it is legal. They want to be able to return to the commonwealth without breaking the law.
- Kentucky military veterans explained that PTSD was significantly eased by the use of cannabis.
“Polling suggests 90% of Kentucky adults support legalizing medical cannabis. Our team traveled the state to talk directly to Kentuckians, and they found our people do indeed overwhelmingly support it,” Beshear said. “I appreciate the work of those who participated, and I am taking this information into consideration as I analyze what steps I can take to legalize medical cannabis for those suffering from chronic, debilitating medical conditions.”
Kerry Harvey, co-chair of the committee and secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, said the committee did not hear any opposition to medical cannabis legislation at its town hall meetings.
“Everyone who spoke supported legalizing medical cannabis in Kentucky,” Harvey said. “We heard from many Kentuckians that use cannabis for its beneficial medical effects but can only do so by breaking the law as it now exists. Many of these Kentuckians must leave the commonwealth to legally obtain medical cannabis in one of the 38 states where it is legal.”
Many attendees of the town hall told the committee that medical cannabis use helped relieve them from the chronic symptoms they live with. Some attendees told the committee that cannabis use helped them engage in day to day activities.
Some attendees felt that medical cannabis provided effective treatments for their chronic symptoms while other treatments such as opioids did not.
“Our nation is dealing with a critical crisis from the overuse of addictive opioids. The people we heard from are looking for pain relief that allows them to live useful, productive lives,” said Ray Perry, co-chair of the committee and secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet.
Military veterans who attended the town halls spoke on the benefits they experienced from use of cannabis in reducing PTSD symptoms.
The state’s medical cannabis website allowed Kentuckians to submit their opinions online. The website received 3,539 comments, 98.64% of which expressed support for legalizing medical cannabis in Kentucky.