Column: Cannabis Policy puts Teens vs Those Suffering
By Bill Polyniak – Advocate for Compassionate Cannabis Policies
In a surprising turn of events, Kentucky's recently introduced cannabis program reflects a misguided approach to what should be a health-focused initiative. Rather than prioritizing the well-being of its residents, the program seems to serve foreign profit-driven entities while sidelining those who genuinely need medical relief. This policy not only undermines public health but also raises serious ethical questions.
A Misguided Priority: Synthetic Marijuana in Gas Stations
The decision to allow synthetic marijuana in gas stations is deeply troubling. These products, often marketed to the youth with flashy branding, are not subject to the rigorous quality standards that medical cannabis should adhere to. This opens the door to unsafe consumption patterns while steering revenue toward foreign companies. Why is the state giving these businesses a free pass while creating hurdles for legitimate medical cannabis access?
An Insurmountable Burden for the Sick
At the same time, Kentuckians suffering from serious illnesses, such as cancer, face unnecessary barriers. They are required to pay hefty fees for medical cannabis cards, making their access contingent on bureaucratic and financial hurdles. For a person battling a life-threatening condition, being forced to jump through hoops just to purchase ineffective products like gummies or vape cartridges is both cruel and counterproductive. Meanwhile, patients in other states have access to a range of more effective options.
Veterans: A Forgotten and Targeted Demographic
Veterans, and many who are prescribed pain medications are often at the forefront of the fight for medical cannabis, face another barrier: mandatory THC testing. These veterans and many others are subject to routine drug tests to monitor the amount of painkiller medications they are taking, as well as for the presence of THC. If THC is detected, veterans risk losing access to the addictive prescription medications that are being closely monitored to the point where healthcare providers know the exact levels of the drug in the bloodstream, the prescription strength, and when refills are due.
This hyper-surveillance of prescription drug use stands in stark contrast to the potential benefits of medical cannabis. The addictive medications being prescribed could be significantly reduced if veterans were allowed access to cannabis, enabling them to eliminate dangerous medications and the host of side effects they create. By continuing to penalize veterans for THC use, Kentucky denies them a safer alternative and perpetuates dependency on harmful pharmaceuticals.
The Danger of Foreign Interests in a Local Issue
The dominance of foreign companies in Kentucky's cannabis program raises economic and ethical concerns. By allowing these entities to profit from the state's cannabis sales, Kentucky is effectively funneling money out of the community—money that could have been reinvested into local businesses and healthcare initiatives. This not only betrays the state's economic interests but also disregards the community's needs.
The Path Forward: A Call for Reform
Kentucky is at a crossroads. Instead of perpetuating a flawed system, the state must pivot toward a more compassionate and effective cannabis policy. Here are three critical steps:
- Prioritize Local and Transparent Businesses: Ensure that licenses are granted to Kentucky-based businesses with clear commitments to patient welfare and community reinvestment.
- Eliminate Barriers for Patients: Remove the financial and bureaucratic hurdles for medical cannabis access, especially for those with severe illnesses or limited means.
- End THC Testing for Veterans: Stop penalizing veterans for seeking relief through cannabis, allowing them to make informed choices about their health without fear of losing essential medications. This change would empower veterans to reduce dependency on dangerous prescription drugs and improve their overall quality of life.
Kentucky's current approach risks deepening inequities and tarnishing its reputation as a state that cares for its people. It's time for the state to recalibrate its priorities and enact policies that truly reflect the needs of its citizens.
Bill Polyniak – Advocate for Compassionate Cannabis Policies
Bill Polyniak is a seasoned expert in the hemp and cannabis industries, with years of hands-on experience in cultivation, processing, and advocacy. As the founder and owner of Kentucky Cannabis Company and Bluegrass Hemp Oil, he has been a pioneer in establishing the CBD industry in Kentucky, turning personal necessity into a statewide movement towards embracing hemp and CBD products
