Senator Julian M. Carroll, D-Frankfort, has pre-filed a bill that would increase the safety measures associated with the legal use of cannabis oil for medical purposes, while also allowing doctors to write prescriptions.
The bill, filed today, would expand language from the 2014 cannabis oil bill, Senate Bill 124, that permits state public universities, specifically the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, to research and prescribe medical cannabis oil.
“Even though we passed a cannabis oil bill three years ago, there has not been a prescription written because of the universities’ concern that they may lose federal grants,” said Carroll. “My bill would make changes that would allow the oil to be used for medical purposes for which many patients are now suffering pain and are unable to achieve relief except for other prescribed drugs that do not have the same benefits. Testimony from a parent before the Senate Health and Welfare Committee when the original cannabis bill was enacted confirmed that their child stopped experiencing seizures with the use of cannabis oil.”
After talking with a friend diagnosed with throat cancer who experienced positive results using a cannabis oil spray, Carroll was made aware of the negative side effects the patient had from the previous treatment recommended by his physician. After listening to this constituent and hearing of others, Carroll said he became interested in legislation to make prescribing cannabis oil for such treatments easier for both patients and doctors, while keeping in place and even strengthening safety measures.
Senate Bill Request 163, sponsored by Carroll, would allow any physician in good standing with the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure to recommend the use of cannabidiol (CBD) or a CBD product to treat a patient. However, the bill requires two physicians sign the prescription or recommendation following an in-person exam. Also, an affidavit would be required from the doctors or supplier that lists the delta-9 tetrahydrocanabinol (THC) levels of the product.
“A recent effort by a California company with an interest in the CBD content of the hemp plant as a means by which similar relief could be obtained by use of that oil excited me such that I thought testimony before our Health and Welfare Committee regarding our previous cannabis oil bill would bring attention to the hemp plant. The hemp plant does have a THC content that meets federal requirement,” said Carroll.
BR 163 will be considered when the General Assembly convenes in January.
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