Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order on Tuesday that allows people with certain medical conditions to legally possess and use small amounts of medical cannabis.
“In an effort to reduce Kentuckians’ reliance on addictive opioids and to provide them relief from pain, Gov. Andy Beshear said that, starting 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,” the governor’s office said.
In the executive order, the governor outlined conditions that Kentuckians with at least one of 21 medical conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscular dystrophy or a terminal illness, must meet to access medical cannabis beginning January 1, 2023.
The conditions include:
- Cannabis must be bought in the U.S. in a state where the purchase is legal and regulated. Kentuckians will need to keep their receipt.
- The amount a person can purchase and possess at any one time must not exceed eight ounces, which is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Kentucky.
- Each Kentuckian must also have a certification from a licensed healthcare provider that shows that the individual has been diagnosed with at least one of 21 medical conditions. A copy of the certification must be retained.
“Kentuckians suffering from chronic and terminal conditions are going to be able to get the treatment they need without living in fear of a misdemeanor,” Beshear said. “With 37 states already legalizing medical cannabis and 90 percent of Kentucky adults supporting it, I am doing what I can to provide access and relief to those who meet certain conditions and need it to better enjoy their life, without pain.”
Read the executive order for the complete list of conditions.
Beshear added that the executive order is not a substitute for legislation to fully legalize medical cannabis.
“The governor stated that he will work with lawmakers this upcoming session to push for full legalization of medical cannabis once again, which would further provide relief for those suffering, fuel job growth and support Kentucky’s farmers,” according to Beshear’s office.
The executive order comes after Beshear formed the Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee in June to travel the state and listen to Kentuckians’ views on the topic after the state legislature failed to pass legislation earlier this year.
On September 30, Beshear released the summary from the committee that showed Kentuckians agree that it is time for the commonwealth to take action on legalizing medical cannabis, the governor’s office stated.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
