Op-Ed: Sure Seems Like Another Good Old Kentucky Boondoggle

VIEWS EXPRESSED BY CONTRIBUTORS IN COLUMNS/OPINION EDITORIALS ETC. ARE THEIR OWN AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE VIEWS OR OPINIONS OF CLAYCONEWS

Opinion Editorial by: Bill Polyniak —Owner, Kentucky Cannabis Company

Kentucky is facing a growing crisis that has hit our schools and communities hard. School-age children are not just vaping nicotine anymore—synthetic cannabinoids, often referred to as "fake weed" or "fake marijuana," have taken over. And now, instead of addressing the vaping epidemic, the problem is evolving. Synthetic gummies and drinks, often marketed to youth, are replacing vape products and are being sold openly in convenience stores and gas stations. This shift is alarming, especially as teachers and school nurses witness the fallout firsthand. Beyond the schools, emergency rooms are treating more cases of people experiencing seizures and other severe health issues after ingesting these synthetic cannabinoids. This isn't just a public health problem; it's an urgent safety issue.

To understand what's happening, it's important to break down the types of cannabis products on the market:

1. Real Full-Spectrum CBD Products: These are made from natural, high-quality cannabidiol (CBD) hemp bloom. These products contain the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in hemp, minus intoxicating levels of THC but containing THC. God's creation, they are safe, natural, and have proven benefits for wellness.

2. Isolated CBD Products: These are derived from hemp biomass, where CBD is extracted and isolated into a single compound. While isolated CBD has some limited uses, it's also the base material used to chemically create dangerous synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC. Made in a lab. These "fake marijuana" products are highly intoxicating and pose serious health risks.

3. Natural Marijuana Products: These are manufactured from cannabis plants dominant in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). God's creation, when responsibly regulated, these products can be safely used for medical or recreational purposes in states with well-structured cannabis programs.

The real issue here is that Kentucky's farmers and processors are limited to producing only safe, natural CBD products under the state's hemp program. Yet, the Kentucky Department of Public Health is now allowing businesses—many of them out-of-state—to manufacture and sell chemically-created synthetic cannabinoids, which are derived from isolated CBD, right here in Kentucky. These synthetic cannabinoids, which are already banned in many other states, are being greenlit as long as a $200 fee is paid per product. The health department has even posted a list of allowed synthetic products and where to find them on their website, essentially creating a playbook for synthetic drug distribution.

This so-called "program" is nothing short of a scam. These are the same officials who once sent police to a church, and now they're enabling the spread of dangerous, fake marijuana products in our communities—while continuing to restrict the use of natural, beneficial hemp products grown right here in Kentucky.

And if that's not enough, take a look at the state's approach to marijuana licensing. Instead of supporting Kentucky farmers and businesses who've already invested in the hemp and cannabis industries, these licenses are being handed over to out-of-state companies.

The very people who have the knowledge and experience to produce safe, high-quality products are being left out in favor of outsiders who see Kentucky as nothing more than a profit center.

This isn't about safety or fairness. It's about money and backroom deals, all at the expense of Kentuckians. Natural, high-quality cannabis and hemp products, whether full-spectrum CBD or responsibly regulated THC products, should be the foundation of Kentucky's cannabis industry—not fake, chemically manufactured cannabinoids that are damaging our schools and communities.

The result? A state that prioritizes profits for out-of-state companies and shady synthetic cannabinoid producers over the wellbeing of its own citizens and farmers. This isn't just bad policy—it's a betrayal of Kentucky's values and potential.

It's time for the people of Kentucky to call this out for what it is: a "boondoggle". Let's demand better from our leaders and fight for a system that supports local farmers, promotes natural and safe products, and protects the health of our communities.

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