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OPINION EDITORIAL: KENTUCKY GOVERNOR BESHEAR PRIORITIZES PROFIT OVER PUBLIC SAFETY
By: Bill Polyniak/Owner, Kentucky Cannabis Company
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has decided to prioritize profit over public safety, a practice if left unchecked will continue to contribute to a steady decline in the health of many Kentuckians especially our younger population.
Introduction
Kentucky's youth are being exposed to dangerous synthetic marijuana thanks to Governor Andy Beshear's decision to allow its sale in gas stations and convenience stores. These unregulated, lab-made products, marketed as "legal" alternatives to cannabis, are being openly promoted in ways that directly target children and young adults.
Even more concerning, while the Governor has effectively set up a recreational synthetic marijuana program, he has simultaneously created a medical cannabis framework that burdens sick Kentuckians with fees and bureaucratic hurdles. The cannabis in this program is sourced from out-of-state companies, depriving Kentucky farmers of economic opportunities.
It's time to examine who truly benefits from these decisions, because it's certainly not the people of Kentucky.
The Problem with Synthetic THC
Synthetic THC products are a public health disaster in the making. Manufactured in unregulated labs, these substances are chemically engineered to mimic THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Unlike natural cannabis, synthetic THC is sprayed onto plant material or mixed into liquids, resulting in unpredictable potency and toxic residues.
These products have been linked to severe health outcomes, including psychosis, seizures, organ damage, and even death. Yet, under Governor Beshear's policies, synthetic marijuana is widely available in gas stations and convenience stores across Kentucky. Worse, these products are packaged and marketed with bright, flashy designs that clearly appeal to youth. By placing these dangerous substances in such easily accessible locations, Governor Beshear has effectively established a recreational synthetic marijuana market targeted at children and young adults.
Organizations like the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, closely aligned with the Governor, have faced backlash for promoting synthetic THC in other states. In California, they were expelled for attempting to sell similar products near schools. Kentucky is now following the same reckless path, putting public health at risk.
A Burden on the Sick, A Windfall for Outsiders
While the Governor promotes synthetic marijuana for recreational use, his medical cannabis program imposes financial and logistical burdens on sick Kentuckians. Patients must pay fees to consult with unfamiliar doctors just to obtain a medical card. To add insult to injury, the cannabis they are prescribed is sourced from companies outside disguised as Kentucky companies, denying local farmers the opportunity to benefit from this growing industry.
This system exploits the state's most vulnerable residents while funneling profits out of state. Worse, there are growing concerns that synthetic THC products could infiltrate the medical cannabis framework, putting patients' health at even greater risk.
The Benefits of Supporting Local Cannabis Cultivation
Natural cannabis provides a safer, more beneficial alternative to synthetic THC. Derived directly from the plant, natural cannabis is rigorously tested for potency and contaminants, ensuring consistent quality and transparency. Its therapeutic value is well-documented, with research confirming its effectiveness in managing chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and other conditions.
Beyond health benefits, natural cannabis cultivation supports local farmers, creates jobs, and revitalizes rural economies. It provides younger generations with a viable entry into sustainable agriculture and keeps economic benefits within the state. By prioritizing local cultivation, Kentucky could build a thriving cannabis industry that benefits its communities instead of corporations from outside the state.
What Needs to Change
Governor Beshear's policies on synthetic marijuana and medical cannabis are harmful and shortsighted. To protect public health and foster economic growth, Kentucky must:
- Ban Synthetic THC in Recreational Markets: Prohibit the sale of synthetic marijuana in gas stations and convenience stores
- Support Local Farmers: Invest in programs that empower Kentucky farmers to cultivate cannabis, ensuring that economic benefits stay within the state
- Reform Medical Cannabis Access: Eliminate unnecessary fees and barriers for patients, and prioritize sourcing cannabis from local producers
- Hold Leaders Accountable: Demand transparency from elected officials and affiliated organizations to ensure that public health is prioritized over profit-driven agendas
Conclusion
Governor Beshear's decision to allow recreational synthetic marijuana in Kentucky gas stations and convenience stores is a glaring example of prioritizing profits over public safety. By marketing these dangerous products directly to youth, the Governor has put the health of the state's most vulnerable residents at risk. At the same time, his medical cannabis program burdens sick Kentuckians with fees and provides economic opportunities to out-of-state companies rather than local farmers.
These policies fail to serve the people of Kentucky. Instead of embracing synthetic shortcuts and corporate agendas, the state must invest in natural cannabis cultivation, implement stricter safety regulations, and make medical cannabis affordable and accessible.
It's time for Kentucky to prioritize its people over profits. Let's hold our leaders accountable and advocate for policies that reflect the values and needs of our communities.
About the Author
Bill Polyniak is the owner of the Kentucky Cannabis Company, a leader in promoting safe, natural, and therapeutic cannabis solutions. With years of experience in the cannabis industry, Bill has been a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, local economic growth, and public health.
In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Bill is a former political candidate who has championed policies that protect vulnerable populations and support Kentucky's farming communities. Through his work and advocacy, he remains dedicated to advancing responsible cannabis policies that prioritize the well-being of Kentuckians and empower local farmers to thrive.
