Physicians already possess the discretion to prescribe any number of medications, like opioids, which pose far greater risks to health than marijuana. It is appropriate that health care providers possess the same freedom to make medical cannabis-related decisions as they do when choosing to authorize other therapeutic options for their patients.
The new law provides discretion to physicians to issue medical cannabis recommendations to any patient who may benefit from it. It also allows those ages 65 or older to self-certify for a registration card absent a doctor’s recommendation.
“A patient’s treatment options should not be limited by the government, but rather, they should be determined in confidence between a patient and their doctor.”
The most significant new measure, House Bill 819, expands the discretion of physicians so that they can recommend cannabis therapy for “any condition” that they consider “debilitating to an individual patient.”
“Just as doctors are entrusted to make decisions regarding the use of opioids, the law should provide doctors with similar flexibility for recommending cannabis therapy to a bona fide patient.”
NORML’s Jenn Michelle Pedini shares how they got the state’s conservative legislature to craft one of the American South’s most comprehensive medical marijuana bills to date
Seven years have passed and 33 states now have medical cannabis systems in place. It is time for Kentucky to join the discussion and catch up with the rest of America. We look forward to seeing everyone in Frankfort next week!
NORML chapters around the country are gearing up for 2019 legislative sessions.