By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Work on establishing a medical marijuana program in Kentucky is continuing to advance on two fronts, even though the General Assembly has yet to approve legislation that would legalize its use in the state.
The University of Kentucky Cannabis Center is to conduct research on the health effects of cannabis, including its risks and benefits, when used to treat certain medical conditions. Based within the UK College of Medicine’s Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, the center will build on cannabis research already taking place at UK and expand the profile of clinical cannabis research.
Cannabis Research Center at Robert Strauss Behavioral Science Lab on July 27, 2022. (Photo by Arden Barnes, UK, via Kentucky Today)
Established by legislation enacted by the General Assembly this year, the center is intended to accelerate research on cannabis that is relevant to the health and well-being of Kentuckians. The legislation provides the center with a $2 million appropriation over the next two years.
House Bill 604 was a compromise of sorts for lawmakers, after a measure to legalize medical marijuana, HB 136, cleared the House 59-34. It was not voted upon in the Senate.
“The legislature is interested in having us explore the conditions for which medical cannabis might be useful, as well as the most effective dosing and route of administration for each condition,” said Shanna Babalonis, Ph.D., director of the UK Cannabis Center.
In June, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the members of the Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee, that will advise him on providing access to medical cannabis, which is legal in 37 states, for Kentuckians suffering from chronic pain and other medical conditions.
Beshear said he received an initial report from that panel on Thursday after they conducted a series of public meetings across the state, getting input from residents on the issue.
“It’s based on the expertise of the individuals, that includes doctors and pharmacists, as well as advocates and those that personally have gotten relief from the use of medical marijuana or medical cannabis,” he said. “With that information, we will be making a final determination on action that we can take, but there will be some actions forthcoming.”
He did not offer a timetable of when those actions might occur.
Currently, 38 states and the District of Columbia have legalized the use of medical marijuana.
I live with severe depression, severe anxiety, severe panic attacks, and P.T.S.D, along with chronic pain with little relief from medications, I feel alot better when I could smoke Marijuana but because of being in pain management I am not able to do so so I suffer on a daily k y basis with my depression and anxiety and really all of my illnesses. Its not that bad of a drug especially when it helps as many as it does and could if it was legal. I pray that they do legalize Marijuana.
From what I understand, pain meds won’t be prescribed with medical weed. Going to be either/or.
I have not smoked weed in years. Be Cuz ALCOHOL got me in a lot of trouble. My health and legal problems have been a big problem for me because of ALCOHOL. I’VE NEVER BEEN ADDICTED TO WEED !!!! But I know I can get weed anywhere. Anytime. I have always tried to smoke KY grown. !!!! When I smoke. There’s a right time and
place… When I’m seeking relief from pain, anxiety or insomnia. Late night at home by myself should NOT MAKE ME FEEL LIKE A CRIMINAL!!! OR BE CHARGED LIKE A CRIMINAL.!!!! Keep legalized weed money in Kentucky !!!!!! Taxes. We the people VOTE !!!!!!! THUGS, GANGSTER’S, GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT HAVE A RIGHT TO CONTROL MY HEALTH CHOICES IN LIFE !!! IF SO, DRINKING SODA POP SHOULD BE OUTLAWED!!!! I’m 62yr old. And vote.
Cannabis consumers deserve and demand equal rights and protections under our laws that are currently afforded to the drinkers of far more dangerous and deadly, yet perfectly legal, widely accepted, endlessly advertised and even glorified as an All-American pastime, alcohol.
Plain and simple!
Legalize Nationwide Federally Now!
The “War on Cannabis” has been a complete and utter failure. It is the largest component of the broader yet equally unsuccessful “War on Drugs” that has cost our country over a trillion dollars.
Instead of The United States wasting Billions upon Billions more of our yearly tax dollars fighting a never ending “War on Cannabis”, lets generate Billions of dollars, and improve the deficit instead. Especially now, due to Covid-19. It’s a no brainer.
The Prohibition of Cannabis has also ruined the lives of many of our loved ones. In numbers greater than any other nation, our loved ones are being sent to jail and are being given permanent criminal records. Especially, if they happen to be of the “wrong” skin color or they happen to be from the “wrong” neighborhood. Which ruin their chances of employment for the rest of their lives, and for what reason?
Cannabis is much safer to consume than alcohol. Yet do we lock people up for choosing to drink?
Let’s end this hypocrisy now!
The government should never attempt to legislate morality by creating victim-less cannabis “crimes” because it simply does not work and costs the taxpayers a fortune.
Cannabis Legalization Nationwide is an inevitable reality that’s approaching much sooner than prohibitionists think and there is nothing they can do to stop it!
Legalize Nationwide! Support Each and Every Cannabis Legalization Initiative!
I hope its legalized . It does wonders for chronic pain and also restless leg syndrome. Plz legalize soon.
I want to see the research that was used to support legalization of MM (Medical Marijuana) for the 21 listed conditions in KY.