Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order on Tuesday making the possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes legal in Kentucky.
The action which would allow the use of marijuana to treat 21 different medical conditions would take effect on January 1st. The order is designed to help reduce the use of opioids for those trying to find relief from pain or treat certain medical conditions.
The basic guidelines in the order require a certification from a licensed healthcare provider for an individual diagnosed with one of 21 medical conditions. Individuals must be in possession of the certificate.
Marijuana must be purchased in the U.S. from a state where it is legal and regulated. Those certified would only be allowed to be in possession of eight ounces or less as that is the threshold between a felony and a misdemeanor.
Beshear said, "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. With 37 states already legalizing medical cannabis and 90% 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."
Follow the link to read the complete executive order and its conditions.
On the other side of the issue, State Senator Whitney Westerfield, an attorney and the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee said on Twitter, "Gov. Beshear, ever serving only his own political interests, may do more harm than good in the effort to legalize marijuana even for medicinal use. Regardless of whether you support marijuana legalization of any kind, the Governor has no power to make its possession legal in KY."
Attorney General Daniel Cameron released a statement, as well. Cameron said, "Time and time again, the governor has attempted to bypass the policy-making authority of the General Assembly. Today’s executive orders regarding medical marijuana and Delta 8 are another example of his attitude toward governing. As always, he seems to relish ruling by decree instead of by the law. Kentucky’s General Assembly is the sole and final policy-making body of this state and they must be allowed to have their say. We are reviewing these executive orders to determine next steps."
The governor said he had not spoken to members of the General Assembly about the executive order.
