Kentucky support of medical marijuana near unanimous, panel says

A report on medical marijuana published by a task force convened by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear shows overwhelming support for its legalization in the state.

The Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee received more than 3,500 comments from the public through Aug. 12, and 98.6% supported legalization, according to a summary the committee published on Friday.

Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Kerry Harvey, who co-chaired the panel with Public Protection Cabinet Secretary Ray Perry, said everyone who spoke at public hearings the committee held also spoke in support.

“We heard from many Kentuckians that use cannabis for its beneficial medical effects but can only do so by breaking the law as it now exists,” Harvey said. “Many of these Kentuckians must leave the commonwealth to legally obtain medical cannabis in one of the 38 states where it is legal.”

Beshear announced he would establish the panel in April after a bill to legalize medical marijuana passed the state House but did not move in the Senate.

Late last month, Beshear said he would take action based on the committee’s findings.

Kentucky is one of 10 states that allows individuals to use low THC, high cannabidiol products, also known as CBD. However, Perry said the board heard from people looking for other solutions to battle the opioid epidemic.

[Read more at The Center Square]