Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, recently signed legislation legalizing medical marijuana for adults in the state. The trend toward legalization has significant ramifications for employers in terms of legal compliance, applicant screening, and drug testing procedures.
Individuals in Kentucky who have been diagnosed with one of 21 different medical conditions may be permitted to possess and consume lawfully obtained marijuana in other states under specific conditions, according to Beshear's ruling.
The Conditions that Qualify for Medical Marijuana Use
According to Kentucky law, patients with one of 21 medical diseases may be permitted to possess and consume marijuana acquired legally. Those who qualify must possess a documented certification from a certified medical practitioner in Kentucky or from their home state that establishes a genuine patient-provider relationship and states the patient has one of the ailments listed below:
Sickle cell anemia
Cachexia or wasting syndrome
Neuropathies
Intractable seizures
Parkinson's disease
Crohn's disease
Multiple sclerosis
Severe and chronic pain
Cancer
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Epilepsy
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Severe arthritis
Hepatitis C
Fibromyalgia
Intractable pain
Muscular dystrophy
Huntington's disease
HIV/AIDS
Glaucoma
A terminal illness
Legal Responsibilities of Providers When Prescribing or Recommending Medical Marijuana
In states where medical marijuana is permitted, regulated medical marijuana cards allow dispensaries and law enforcement personnel to identify authentic patients. However, when Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order providing preemptive pardons for medicinal marijuana possession, there was no mention of universal marijuana cards or any other state registration. Instead, the order, which took effect on January 1, stated that patients must receive a "written certification" from a physician proving that they had one of 21 qualifying diseases.
The bill prohibits patients from smoking marijuana, but it permits the selling of raw cannabis flower for vaporization. The bill also authorizes other cannabis formulations such as capsules, tinctures, and topical applications. Patients will be allowed to carry a 10 day supply of cannabis on them and a 30 day supply at home.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services is directed to create and execute regulations to enact the Act and control the production and sale of medical marijuana in the state. Kentucky's medical cannabis program is set to begin in January 2025, according to the legislation.
Supporters welcomed Kentucky's law as a means of assisting sick individuals in reducing pain without the use of opioids and without running the risk of facing criminal charges for marijuana possession and use. Opponents said that insufficient research had been done to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of utilizing marijuana as a medical treatment. A number of Republican lawmakers expressed worries that the legislation might expose kids to marijuana and lead Kentucky toward legalizing it for recreational use. Republican state senator Gary Boswell opposed the legislation on the grounds that its list of acceptable medical conditions was too broad.
The medical cannabis program in Kentucky is governed by a framework that includes dispensaries, growers, doctors, processors, and products. Identification cards are also given. Patients and carers will benefit from this. The bill outlines the requirements for obtaining a cannabis company license, as well as the authorization process for practitioners to recommend the use of medicinal cannabis.
Discover the Potential Benefits and Risks of Medical Marijuana for Patients and How Kentucky Laws Compare to Those in Other States
According to reports, medical marijuana has an opioid-like effect on the central nervous system. However, it has significantly fewer risks than synthetic opioids. It is also less addictive than other drugs.These are two of the reasons why many activists advocate for marijuana legalization in order to provide patients with safer pain management options. Some people, in fact, utilize marijuana to help them recover from opioid addiction.Marijuana use is increasing in all adult age groups, both sexes, and pregnant women. Users are mostly between the ages of 18 and 25.
THC and marijuana have been legalized in numerous states, but they are still illegal on the federal level. Marijuana is a rapidly growing industry in the states where it is legal, with sales to adults over the age of 21 taking place in retail stores.
Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Pain management: Cannabis cannabinoids may reduce pain by altering the neuronal circuits in the brain that cope with it. Furthermore, it may minimize the unfavorable side effects of cancer treatment, such as appetite loss.
Cannabis has anti-inflammatory effects: CBD is considered to have anti-inflammatory qualities. This may benefit inflammatory illnesses such as Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Overall health can be improved by lowering inflammatory processes in the body.
Psychiatric and neurological conditions: Because of its limbic system-activating qualities, doctors occasionally recommend marijuana to treat the following neurological and mental health disorders:Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Tourette syndrome, and sleep hygiene.
Marijuana's sedative effects may aid in the treatment of sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Risk of Medical Marijuana
Marijuana's potential dangers must be weighed equally. The following are some of the undesirable effects you should address with your doctor:
Marijuana usage may produce depressive effects similar to alcohol consumption. You may feel serene and relaxed, but you may also struggle with coordination and focus. Some people may suffer depressive symptoms as a side effect.
Marijuana may boost mood, but it can also cause hyperactivity, rapid breathing, and blood pressure and heart rate increases.
Hallucinogenic effects: Marijuana can produce mild hallucinations, reduced motor ability, and altered reality perceptions. Do not drive after taking marijuana. Driving after taking marijuana is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal in all states, including those where marijuana consumption is legal.
How to Obtain a Kentucky Medical Marijuana Card
Once medical marijuana is allowed, you must meet the following requirements to qualify for a Kentucky medical marijuana card and legally acquire medicinal marijuana from a dispensary:
Be diagnosed with an ailment that a doctor believes qualifies for medicinal marijuana treatment.
Have an official written certification from a qualified Kentucky physician.
You must be a Kentucky resident and provide proof of residency (KY Driver's License or KY State ID card).
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in Kentucky
Medical marijuana will be legal in Kentucky in 2025! However, you can now use medical marijuana purchased from other states, so get a recommendation as legal protection!
Cannabis is a natural, safe alternative medicine without the harsh side effects of many prescription drugs. If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, you probably qualify!
Schedule an online evaluation with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors or contact us at (833) 781-6360. Why wait longer than you must for the relief you've been missing?
You'll meet with your doctor virtually via a telemedicine appointment using your smartphone or computer, and together, you'll discuss your condition and decide if medical marijuana is right for you.