Veterans, law enforcement weigh in on Beshear’s medical marijuana announcement

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-Governor Beshear orders a change to help some Kentuckians possess medical marijuana. 

“I’m signing an executive order that will allow Kentuckians who meet specific criteria to possess and use small amounts of medical cannabis that is legally purchased in another state to treat specific health conditions beginning January 1, 2023,” said Gov. Beshear. 

Kentuckians who meet the criteria must have one of 21 diagnosed medical conditions to qualify. conditions like PTSD, cancer, epilepsy and Parkinson’s Disease are included.

Beshear’s order is in an effort to reduce opioid use and provide relief from pain, something that many people including Veterans can struggle with. 

“What we’ve been doing with over prescribing medications and then with the opioid crisis and all the self medicating that we see Veterans taking part in, they’re trying to reduce symptoms so they can live their lives,” said Veteran’s Inc. Founder and CEO Jeremy Harrell. 

13% of Veterans become addicted to opioids. 

Harrell says this can lead to mental health struggles, including suicide. 

“I’ve lost count of how many funerals I’ve went to with Veterans taking their own lives and yesterday was another one of those. What we’ve been doing hasn’t been working. We’re still losing 17 Veterans per day to suicide and so I think this is a step in the right direction,” said Harrell. 

In contrast, some law enforcement officials believe that while the intention is good, the outcome could be troublesome. 

“Kentucky Narcotics officers for years, has been opposed to this and one big reason is if we wanna believe in the science then we wanna let the FDA decide what’s medicine,” said Warren County Drug Task Force Executive Director Tommy Loving 

The Kentucky Narcotics Office is working on a position paper to address the topic. 

As of right now, according to Beshear’s order, possession of medical marijuana will be allowed January 1, 2023…but it will not be sold in the Commonwealth. 

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