The Family Foundation supports calls for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other federal agencies to expedite research into the safety and efficacy of the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Although marijuana may have medical benefits, it needs to go through the same testing process required of other medications to ensure that the public, health professionals, and industry are protected.
A January 2017 report from teh National Academies of Sciences, Engieering, and MEdicine (NASEM) summarized the current evidence and recommended several steps to overcome regulatory barriers so that the health benefits and health risks of marijuana could be more fully understood.
A comprehensive research agenda focused on the potential benefits and adverse impacts of marijuana has not occurred and cannot occur under current federal law.
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This concurrent resolution calls on the FDA and DEA to make the necessary changes to expedite research into whether marijuana is safe and effective for medical use.
By: Rep. D. Bentley
Co-Sponsor: K. Moser
THE DEBATE
Advocates Say:
There is not enough research to know if smoking marijuana is safe or effective for any medical purpose. Let’s expedite the research so that Kentucky’s lawmakers can make evidence-based decisions.
Opponents Say:
The personal testimonies of those who have been helped by marijuana and the large number of states which have legalized medical marijuana are proof enough. Kentucky must help its suffering citizens.
Introduced in House (01/08/2019)
Passed Committee 14-0 / 1st Reading (02/07/2019)
2nd Reading (02/08/2019)
This bill would legalize marijuana, with few restrictions.
By: Sen. D. Seum
THE DEBATE
Advocates Say:
Legalization and taxation of marijuana could bring much-needed revenue for Kentucky. We must not miss out on this window of opportunity. Besides, marijuana is relativley harmless and is a matter of individual freedom.
Opponents Say:
In addition to violating federal law, which supersedes state law, “legalization” would make marijuana use more prevalent and have serious harmful effects for society.
Introduced in Senate (01/08/2019)
This bill would remove criminal penalties for the possession of marijuana for personal use and instead punish it with a small fine or community service.
By: Sen. J. Higdon
THE DEBATE
Advocates Say:
The “war on drugs” has been a complete disaster. Criminal penalties for marijuana have failed to acheive their purpose, have a disproportionate impact on minorities, and have contributed to overcrowding in our prisons.
Opponents Say:
The removal of criminal penalties signals the State’s approval of marijuana possession and use, even if it technically remains illegal. Practically, it will increase many of the harms of marijuana legalization without the regulation or taxation.
Introduced in Senate (01/11/2019)
This bill would legalize marijuana for medical purposes.
By: Rep. D. St. Onge
Co-Sponsors:
J. Nemes, R. Adkins, T. Bojanowski, C. Booker, T. Branham Clark, G. Brown Jr, T. Burch, M. Cantrell, J. Donohue, K. Flood, A. Gentry, J. Glenn, J. Gooch Jr., D. Graham, J. Graviss, C. Harris, M. Hart, A. Hatton, K. Hinkle, C. Howard, J. Jenkins, D. Keene, M. Koch, N. Kulkarni, M. Marzian, R. Meyer, C. Miller, J. Miller, P. Minter, R. Palumbo, R. Rand, J. Raymond, D. Schamore, J. Sims Jr, M. Sorolis, C. Stevenson, S. Westrom, B. Wheatley, R. Wiederstein, L. Willner, L. Yates
THE DEBATE
Advocates Say:
Medical marijuana can relieve chronic pain, PTSD, and other medical conditions that our neighbors are struggling with. Keeping marijuana illegal condemns many Kentuckians to a lifetime of unnecessary suffering.
Opponents Say:
There is not enough research to know if smoking marijuana is safe or effective for any medical purpose. Doctors are unable to provide guidance on the form, amount, concentration, or frequency for marijuana use.
Additionally, there is a pattern of recreational marijuana legalization and its harmful effects quickly following “medical marijuana”.
Introduced in House (01/09/2019)
This bill would legalize the production, storage, sale, or transport of cannabis with a license.
By: Rep. Dennis Keene
Introduced in House (02/05/2019)
This bill would remove criminal penalties for the possession of marijuana for personal use and instead punish it with a small fine or community service.
By: Rep. Charles Booker
Introduced in House (02/06/2019)
