The governor of Kentucky has signed an executive order to expand the list of health conditions that make patients eligible for medical marijuana—adding that he thinks “it’s time” for broader cannabis decriminalization.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced that he was taking executive action to “clarify” that the current law permitting medical cannabis in the treatment of maladies such as chronic pain and nausea means patients whose specific conditions involve those symptoms can also access the alternative medicine.
After the legislature declined to take him up on a suggestion to expand the qualifying condition list this session, Beshear said he’s using his authority to make it so patients with 15 additional health disorders—including Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia, fibromyalgia, arthritis and glaucoma—can also be certified for medical marijuana access.
The Office of Medical Cannabis (OCM) is being tasked with updating the list to “clarify what’s already in that law,” he said.
“Too much is at risk to just stand by and let the law’s lack of clarity leave Kentuckians without relief,” the governor said. “So today I’m taking action by signing an executive order.”
“This is what the law is meant to do. And
Read full article on Marijuana Moment
