Kentucky’s majority-Republican House of Representatives passed a medical cannabis bill with a 59-34 vote on Thursday. The restrictive program, if legalized, would allow medical patients with certain severe illnesses to access medical cannabis.
According to the Associated Press, supporters of the bill cited its ability to “ease the suffering of many Kentuckians.” Democratic Rep. Al Gentry, a co-sponsor of the bill, stated:
“I know real people that had their lives turned around by these products, and a lot of them are living in the closet or living in secrecy because they feel like they’re a criminal. Please, let’s pass this and allow some people to move on and live a happy life.”
Opponents of the bill raised concerns about legalization fueling addiction to cannabis. Even those in full support of the bill adhered to tight language when drafting the potential medical program. The bill’s lead sponsor, Republican Rep. Jason Nemes, expressed opposition to legalizing the plant for recreational use.
However, the tentative measure has also gained support from previous critics, such as Republican Sen. Whitney Westerfield. Westerfield, who had stated concerns about how legalization would impact youth use, tweeted on March 8, “I’ve heard too many stories, in my district and out, from those long suffering and their loved ones left behind, that marijuana brought comfort and relief when nothing else worked.”
A word about @jmnemes’ HB136 — I appreciate his hard work on this: #kyga22 #kyleg pic.twitter.com/xjSleLxESq
— Whitney Westerfield (@KyWhitney) March 9, 2022
Under the current legislation, House Bill 136 would allow medical cannabis access for patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill currently does not allow smokeable forms of cannabis.
Should the bill get enacted, state politicians plan on the program being a “home-state enterprise,” according to Nemes. The state’s new industry would be divided into four categories: cannabis farmers, processors, dispensaries, and safety testers.
Looking to find your medical cannabis in a state that hasn’t yet legalized it? It may be tempting to drive across neighboring state lines with more cannabis-friendly laws. However, the number of states that will authorize qualified patients from out-of-state medical marijuana programs is still relatively small. Which States Accept Out-of-State MMJ Cards? States That…
So you love smoking cannabis, but you’re tired of the same ole rolling papers. Perhaps you recently learned about the potential dangers and risks associated with tobacco blunt wraps and want a healthier option. Let’s explore some rolling paper alternatives that work well for blunts, joints, and spliffs. Types of Rolling Paper to Absolutely Avoid…
Despite the fact that the legal cannabis industry is growing, many people are still purchasing from the illicit market. A recent study investigated this matter and found that buying cannabis from the illicit market may be “better” than legal weed. The obvious reasons for choosing the illicit market over the legal market include the likes…
Nations across the globe are beginning to recognize the dangers of restrictive drug policies—aka the “war on drugs.” Colombia and Mexico recently came together for an international conference focused on “redesigning and rethinking drug policy” given the “failure” of prohibition. The two countries will collaborate with other Latin American leaders to create new drug policies….
Mixing cannabis with recreational drugs, medications, or alcohol can be a rollercoaster ride for your mind and body. While it may seem like an exciting idea to indulge in some extra fun, the pursuit of pleasure could come with undesired risks down the line. With a unique mix of over 550 chemical compounds and 100…
A new Israeli study has confirmed that smoked cannabis extracts offer a more effective way to treat back pain than ingested CBD…
We sat down with the team at TerraLeaf, a medical cannabis dispensary servicing West Virginia, to ask them the Veriheal 5—five questions…
Gone are the days when cannabis was just an occasional treat—today, it’s a powerful source of holistic healing. According to a 2021…