Medical Cannabis Bill Passes in Kentucky Senate Committee

March 14th, Senate Bill 47 It will be considered by the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee, voted 8-3, and advances to the Senate floor.

one of the bill’s sponsors, Senator Stephen West, spoke at the conference. “I never intended to dabble in medical marijuana or look at this issue.” West explainedHe added that two Mason County advocates, Eric and Michelle Crawford, have inspired him to take a closer look at medical cannabis and its potential benefits.

West reviewed the bill in its current version, stating, “Stages, chronic, severe, intractable, or debilitating pain, epilepsy or other intractable seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms or spasticity, chronic nausea or We have added periodic vomiting, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more recently any other medical condition or disorder that the Kentucky Cannabis Center has deemed appropriate.”

Smoking cannabis is prohibited, but the use of raw cannabis for e-cigarette purposes is permitted. Growing cannabis for personal use is also not permitted. The program will be administered by the Health and Family Services Cabinet and regulations are expected to be finalized by 1 January 2025.

Commission chair John Schnickel responded, “I know it’s been a long road to this commission. I commend you for your vigilance and commitment to this bill.” . “I have worked with you and the people who have held this bill in front of you for years. It’s a way of addressing the controversial issues I feel.”

The committee also heard from longtime supporter Eric Crawford, who became a quadriplegic when he was involved in a car accident that fractured his neck in three places in the 1990s. It has proven the power and necessity of cannabis to improve quality of life.”I’m in the Kentucky State Capitol, I’m wearing a tie and trying to legalize medical cannabis for the sick. Medical cannabis is ,relieves my constant, uncontrollable, severe muscle spasms.Medical cannabis helps with constant, constant pain.Cannabis helps me.I have had leg cramps for nearly 30 years. I was crippled, but I know what’s best for me.I just want to make you feel better, not feel better,” Crawford told the committee.

In March 2022, the Kentucky House of Representatives passed House Bill 136 to legalize medical marijuana. But it stalled in the Senate, so supporters decided to start in the Senate for this session. it’s a hindrance. In January, he announced that medical cannabis was the gateway to recreational legalization. , this is a republic and they choose us to go to Frankfort and make decisions on their behalf,” Thayer said. You can blame it.” Recently, NORML called Thayerupheld the will of the people and said, “Do the work you were chosen to do.

In November 2022, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order granting patient access to medical cannabis and Delta-8. His decree he entered into force on January 1, 2023, but only legislation can achieve full legalization of medical cannabis. “The executive order will not be convenient for anyone on the medical marijuana front. What it guarantees is that they are not criminals,” Beshear said in January. . “And that’s the limit I’m imposing on the executive power, the limit other states have put in place when we don’t have a full program of our own. That’s why Congress passes medical marijuana.” It is very important to do.”