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Medical Cannabis For Treatment in State Of Kentucky

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After January 1, 2023, Kentuckians must meet certain requirements before they can use medical cannabis; Governor Andy Beshear today announced that, beginning next year, Kentuckians with certain severe medical conditions and who meet specific requirements will be able to possess and use small amounts of legally purchased medical cannabis to treat their medical conditions. This is in an effort to reduce Kentuckians’ reliance on addictive opioids and to provide them with pain relief.

   The Governor outlined the requirements that Kentuckians with at least one of 21 medical conditions—such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscular dystrophy, or a terminal illness—must meet in order to gain access to medical cannabis beginning January 1, 2023. These requirements were outlined in an executive order. These circumstances include: In order to purchase cannabis in the United States of America, you must do so in a state where it is both legal and regulated. Kentuckians must preserve their receipt. In Kentucky, the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is the amount that can be purchased and kept in one’s possession at any one time. This amount cannot exceed 8 ounces. Additionally, every Kentuckian must have a certification from a licensed health care provider indicating that they have been diagnosed with at least one of 21 conditions. The certification must be kept in its original form. 

  Governor Beshear stated, “Kentuckians with chronic and terminal conditions will be able to get the treatment they need without living in fear of a misdemeanor.” I’m doing what I can to help people with certain conditions who need medical cannabis to better enjoy their lives without pain. With medical cannabis already legal in 37 states and 90% of adults in Kentucky supporting it, I’m trying to make it easier for them to get it. The entire list of conditions can be found in the executive order.

Law enforcement will soon be able to quickly and accurately determine who qualifies, according to the Governor.

He went on to say that the actions taken right now are not a substitute for the necessary legislation to make medical cannabis fully legal. The Governor stated that he would collaborate with lawmakers during the upcoming session to push for the full legalization of medical cannabis once more. This would support Kentucky’s farmers, boost job growth, and provide additional relief to those who are suffering.

The sale of Delta 8 will be regulated by the state, the Governor also stated. THC is present in Delta 8, but to a lesser extent than in marijuana. A Kentucky court has ruled that it is legal, and neither Kentucky nor federal law classifies it as a controlled substance. There are currently no controls on how it is packaged and sold. Governor Beshear stated, “We must establish a regulatory structure to guarantee that Delta 8 is sold and purchased safely in the commonwealth.” When the General Assembly makes medical cannabis fully legal, the structure can and will also be used as a model. That implies we can learn continuously, train our kin and be all set.”

   Following the failure of the state legislature to pass legislation on the subject earlier this year, Gov. Beshear established the Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee in June to travel the state and gather feedback from Kentuckians. The committee’s summary, which demonstrated that Kentuckians agree that the commonwealth should act to legalize medical cannabis, was made public by the Governor on September 30.

   “Our committee met good people all across the commonwealth who are suffering from terrible chronic conditions that are relieved by medical cannabis,” stated Kerry Harvey, co-chair of the committee and secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. This is not speculation but actual experience. These Kentuckians’ quality of life will be enhanced by the Governor’s action, but more should be done in the upcoming legislative session.

   “Standing up at a town hall meeting required bravery to overcome anxiety and frequently physical pain, but individuals did so to ensure that their story was heard. Ray Perry, co-chair of the committee and secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet, stated, “not only for the benefit of themselves, but also for the benefit of family members, friends, and others who are facing a condition that is similar.” It was abundantly clear from each story that medical cannabis is providing real relief to sufferers of chronic conditions.

   The benefits of cannabis in reducing PTSD symptoms were emphasized by military veterans who attended the town halls. Some said that the disorder made it hard for them to sleep, and others said that doctors gave them a lot of drugs to help them sleep, get over pain, deal with anxiety, or move their joints fully.

Jared Bonvell, a Northern Kentucky veteran who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, talked about how he struggled every day after being given 13 medications that didn’t work, which made him think about taking his own life.

   “In the span of a year, I didn’t drink and was off 12 of the 13 drugs,” said Bonvell. ” Despite my injuries and disabilities, I can still function. I can endure. I can once again have conversations and friendships.

   Craig Manley, an entrepreneur from McCracken Province, said “Clinical cannabis is a method for facilitating torment without screwing with your body. Alcohol and prescription painkillers pose a risk in the construction industry, like mine. On the other hand, if someone takes THC at night to alleviate pain, they wake up refreshed and prepared for work. I am extremely conservative, and both sides ought to wish to assist individuals. This shouldn’t have anything to do with how you feel about politics.

   Kentuckians were able to voice their opinions online through the state’s medical cannabis website, in addition to the town hall meetings. 3,539 comments were submitted to the website, with 98.64 percent expressing support for Kentucky’s legalization of medical cannabis.

   A list of members of the advisory team can be found at medicalcannabis.ky.gov. These Kentuckians have experience in health care, the treatment of opioid use disorder and other addiction-related diseases, law enforcement, and advocacy for medical cannabis.

It would improve the quality of life for Kentuckians with certain medical conditions who are receiving palliative care to be able to purchase, possess, and/or use medical cannabis. This would also help reduce the abuse of other more dangerous and addictive medications like opiates.
A recent study found that people with chronic pain who used medical cannabis reduced their use of opioids by 64%. The quality of life for these patients was improved and there were fewer side effects. Medical cannabis is much less addictive than opioids and does not cause respiratory depression, which reduces mortality rates.

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