By Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday signed an executive order allowing some patients to use medical marijuana. You will be able to use cannabis.
“Kentuckians suffering from chronic and terminal illnesses will be able to get the care they need without fear of misdemeanor.” Beshear said in a statement From the governor’s office. “Medical cannabis has already been legalized in 37 states, and 90% of Kentucky adults support it. We are doing what we can to provide access and relief to people in need of cannabis.”
Bessia’s presidential decree Allow medical marijuana use in patients with at least 1 of 21 medical conditions, including cancer, terminal illness, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, and post-traumatic stress disorder. To comply with the executive order, medical cannabis must be purchased in states that legalize and regulate marijuana, and patients must keep receipts. Possession of medical marijuana is limited to 8 ounces, which is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony for marijuana possession in Kentucky. Patients must also obtain a certificate from a licensed healthcare provider stating that the patient has been diagnosed with at least one specific medical condition.
The governor added that guidelines have been created for law enforcement to help police officers quickly determine who is eligible to use and possess medical marijuana. It stressed that the decree would not replace “the much-needed law to fully legalize medical cannabis.” The governor plans to work with lawmakers in the upcoming Congress to advocate for comprehensive medical marijuana legalization. This will “help further those in need, drive job growth, and support Kentucky farmers.”
Panel finds strong support for marijuana legalization
The executive order follows the state legislature’s failure to pass legislation earlier this year and Beshear’s creation of the Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Advisory Board in June. The panel traveled across the state and hosted town hall meetings to hear what Kentuckians had to say about legalizing medical marijuana. In addition to town hall meetings, the state’s medical marijuana website allowed Kentuckians to submit comments online. The website received 3,539 comments, 98.64% of which he supported legalizing medical marijuana in the state. On September 30, Beshear released a summary of the commission’s work, in which a majority of Kentuckians agreed that the time had passed for the state to take action to legalize medical marijuana.
“Our committee has met good people across the Commonwealth who suffer from terrible chronic diseases that are alleviated by medical cannabis,” said Kelly, co-chair of the committee and secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. Harvey said. “This is real experience, not speculation. The governor’s actions will improve the quality of life for these Kentuckians, but much more needs to be done in the next Congress.”
“It takes courage to overcome anxiety, and standing up at town hall meetings is often physically painful, but people did it to make sure their stories were heard. Just for themselves.” But also for family, friends and others facing similar conditions,” added Ray Perry, co-chair of the commission and secretary of the Civil Protection Cabinet. “Every story reveals that medical cannabis really helps people get relief from chronic disease.”
Second Executive Order Regulating Delta-8 THC in Kentucky
Beshear also signed second presidential decree On Tuesday, it will regulate Delta-8 THC, a psychoactive cannabinoid that can be produced from legal hemp. The governor said Delta-8 is not a Kentucky or federally regulated substance, and the court ruled that the substance was legal in Kentucky.
“Currently, there are no checks on how it is packaged and marketed. Regulatory structures need to be established so that Delta 8 can be safely bought and sold within the Commonwealth,” Beshear said. . “This structure will also serve as a template for when the General Assembly fully legalizes medical cannabis.
A total of 37 states—the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—have approved laws allowing medical marijuana by qualified individuals, the governor’s office said. In addition, Kentucky’s neighboring states of Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, and West Virginia have legalized medical marijuana.
“This is not a red or blue question,” said Beshear. “It’s about our people, helping those in pain and suffering.”
Beshear’s executive order legalizing marijuana is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2023.
