In 2020, the House did the right thing by passing a bill that would give Kentucky patients safe, legal access to medical cannabis. Many patients could benefit from cannabis as an alternative to opioids and other dangerous drugs, and they have already been waiting far too long for the legislature to take action. This is not a partisan issue. Gov. Beshear has made it clear that he supports medical cannabis, and there are many Republicans who strongly agree. Thirty-six states have already passed effective medical cannabis laws, so Kentucky should learn from these states’ experiences and pass a law that will benefit patients. There is no excuse for delaying this any further. On behalf of patients who are suffering needlessly, I strongly encourage you to support passage of a medical cannabis bill in 2022.

As the opioid addiction crisis continues to cause great harm in Kentucky, many patients have found cannabis to be an effective alternative for treating pain. Unfortunately for them, they are considered criminals if they use cannabis in our state. This must change, and the sooner, the better. Cannabis has been proven useful in treating pain, nausea, and other symptoms and conditions, and it is proven to be much less harmful than opioids and many other prescription medications. It’s clear that this important tool should be available to doctors who believe it would be beneficial for their patients. In 2020, the House passed medical cannabis legislation in a bipartisan vote of 65-30. Now that 36 states have passed medical cannabis legislation, there is no excuse for failing to pass this bill into law in 2021. Can I count on you to show compassion for patients by supporting passage of a medical cannabis bill?

The Kentucky House overwhelmingly passed a medical cannabis bill in 2020, but today, patients across the state are still suffering needlessly without safe, legal access to cannabis. At this point, there is no question that cannabis is safer than opioids, and there is no excuse for continuing to deny patients access if their doctors believe they could benefit from its use. A recent poll found that 90% of Kentuckians support medical cannabis, and in the bill sponsors have worked very hard to address the concerns that have been raised by opponents. The fact that this bill did not pass into law in 2021 was a tremendous disappointment for patients who could benefit, and for their families. The decision to use medical cannabis should be made by doctors and patients, not by politicians. Please support passage of medical cannabis legislation in 2022 and urge your colleagues to do the same.