While many states already have medical marijuana laws on their books, Kentucky has yet to get one into place. However, it looks encouraging that 2020 could be the year to see that change. A bill moving through legislation currently is moving rather quickly and supporters feel very good about the possibility of it becoming law in the next few months.
The medical marijuana bill, known as House Bill 136, just saw approval through a House panel. Now out of the panel, the House will vote on the bill. The expectation is that it will pass easily and move onto the Senate.
There is some concern that it could stall in the Senate as support there is not as high as in the House. Some senators believe there still needs to be research to show the good of the drug outweighs the bad. Supporters are hoping the research that shows marijuana is a good alternative to opioid drugs will help those undecided on the issue to vote to pass the bill.
House Bill 136 legalizes marijuana for medical use through a doctor’s prescription. The conditions approved to use the drug are not yet known. A panel of public advocates, a pharmacist and doctors will make the decision on which conditions a doctor could legalize prescribe it for.
The legalization of cannabis for medical use in the state is something that has long had the support of voters. It just has not been able to move through the process to become law. This current action is very positive and encouraging to those who feel medical marijuana could help them with their medical issues.
Source: Lexington Herald Leader
