Kentucky Governor Backs Biden Administration's Push to Reclassify Marijuana
07/26/2024
In a significant move towards recognizing the medical benefits of marijuana, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has endorsed the Biden administration's proposal to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Beshear's support comes as part of a broader shift in American drug policy, with the Justice Department formally moving to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III substance.
The proposed federal rule recognizes the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledges that it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation's most dangerous drugs. The move follows a recommendation from the federal Health and Human Services Department, which launched a review of the drug's status at the urging of President Joe Biden.
In a letter to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Beshear called the proposal a "significant, common-sense step forward," especially for people with serious medical conditions. He emphasized that "the jury is no longer out on marijuana: it has medical uses and is currently being used for medical purposes."
Beshear's endorsement of the reclassification effort is particularly noteworthy given Kentucky's history with opioid abuse. The governor highlighted that from 2012 to 2016, more than 5,800 Kentuckians died from opioid abuse. He believes that the rescheduling of marijuana would provide an alternative to opioids and help reduce the harm caused by the opioid epidemic.
The proposed rule would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use, but it would have a significant impact on medical cannabis programs. Beshear pointed out that the rescheduling would destigmatize medical marijuana, confirm medical freedom, and provide an alternative to opioids. For communities, it would also help reduce crime and abuse by providing a secure alternative to illicit and unregulated markets.
Kentucky lawmakers passed a law in 2023 legalizing medical cannabis for people suffering from a list of debilitating illnesses. Beshear signed the measure and his administration has since crafted program regulations. The state's medical cannabis program is set to begin on January 1, 2024.
The Biden administration's push to reclassify marijuana has received bipartisan support, with Beshear's endorsement serving as a significant endorsement of the proposal. The move represents a major shift in American drug policy and could pave the way for further reforms in the future.
Reference
The proposed federal rule recognizes the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledges that it has less potential for abuse than some of the nation's most dangerous drugs. The move follows a recommendation from the federal Health and Human Services Department, which launched a review of the drug's status at the urging of President Joe Biden.
In a letter to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Beshear called the proposal a "significant, common-sense step forward," especially for people with serious medical conditions. He emphasized that "the jury is no longer out on marijuana: it has medical uses and is currently being used for medical purposes."
Beshear's endorsement of the reclassification effort is particularly noteworthy given Kentucky's history with opioid abuse. The governor highlighted that from 2012 to 2016, more than 5,800 Kentuckians died from opioid abuse. He believes that the rescheduling of marijuana would provide an alternative to opioids and help reduce the harm caused by the opioid epidemic.
The proposed rule would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use, but it would have a significant impact on medical cannabis programs. Beshear pointed out that the rescheduling would destigmatize medical marijuana, confirm medical freedom, and provide an alternative to opioids. For communities, it would also help reduce crime and abuse by providing a secure alternative to illicit and unregulated markets.
Kentucky lawmakers passed a law in 2023 legalizing medical cannabis for people suffering from a list of debilitating illnesses. Beshear signed the measure and his administration has since crafted program regulations. The state's medical cannabis program is set to begin on January 1, 2024.
The Biden administration's push to reclassify marijuana has received bipartisan support, with Beshear's endorsement serving as a significant endorsement of the proposal. The move represents a major shift in American drug policy and could pave the way for further reforms in the future.
Reference
