A bill legalizing medical marijuana in Kentucky has made it the furthest it has ever gone before in the Kentucky legislature, as the Senate passed the measure and it now awaits approval in the House.
Senate Bill 47 calls on the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services to implement, oversee and regulate a medicinal cannabis program, which would launch in January 2025. Senator Whitney Westerfield of Crofton supported the measure, saying that although he stills has some worries, he wants to make sure those who will benefit from it, can have it.
Several medical conditions could qualify someone to use medicinal cannabis, including cancer, chronic and other types of pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, chronic nausea and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Representative Myron Dossett of Pembroke thinks the bill does have support in the House, saying he himself has been a supportive of it and he will carefully review the legislation.
Representative Walker Thomas of Hopkinsville says he is torn, as he sees how it can benefit people but he also worries about possible abuse.
Before accessing the product, patients would have to register and receive approval for a special identification card. Patients under 18 years old would not be allowed to possess, purchase or acquire medicinal cannabis without the assistance of a designated caregiver.
Medical marijuana has had support in the House in the past—any vote would not happen until after the veto recess, which began Friday and Representative Dossett believes it will come before them when they return to session.