The committee was formed as part of Gov. Andy Beshear's push to take executive action to loosen restrictions surrounding medical cannabis — given that efforts to do so continue to hit roadblocks in the Kentucky General Assembly.
Part of the committee's work involved holding town halls across the state and taking comments on the issue. Attendees who spoke at the meetings all expressed favorable opinions on the idea, while 98% of comments received were also in favor, according to the Courier Journal.
Despite some skepticism in the ranks of the legislative, Beshear has consistently said he's confident his office can take some action on its own regarding medical cannabis, though he has cautioned it won't go as far as legislation could.
"I do believe there is room for executive action. Do I believe it can reach to full legalization? Probably not. But do I think that we are going to be able to provide some relief, especially for those that are suffering? Yes, I do."Gov. Andy Beshear
The most frequent objection in the responses, however, was that the executive action might be a first step toward the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Among the 46 replies against legalization received by the committee were responses from the Kentucky Narcotics Association, which expressed concern that products with higher THC levels might become available and recommended limiting prescriptions to those over 21.
